Horrible news surfaces regarding Mark Giordano's career

Now that the 2024-25 NHL season has gotten underway, veteran defenseman Mark Giordano remains un-signed, a fact that begs speculation about the future of an illustrious career. Still one of the most durable defensemen in the league at 41 years old, with the passing time, he will face questions regarding whether he'll ever hit the ice this season. Offseason reports indicated he was of interest to at least the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, and Toronto Maple Leafs. The former of those suitors dropped out of discussions almost immediately, however, and with the latter reportedly seeking to trade Timothy Liljegren, it seems unlikely Giordano will go home.

Yet, Giordano is a player worthy of notice, according to The Hockey News' Adam Proteau. "Resilient and a natural leader, Giordano continues his patient waiting period for the right time in history," he wrote. Giordano's career, one that began back in 2005 courtesy of the Calgary Flames, has been nothing short of remarkable. He has captained the Flames for eight seasons, won the Norris Trophy in 2019, and the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2020. Since then, he has stints with the Seattle Kraken and the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has been a valued leader and presence in each locker room that he has been a part of.

Proteau really reinforces that even getting 15-20 minutes a game, Giordano is going to be a great addition to any team if they take a chance on him. He has always been a team-first player, and he knows what the NHL is asking of him at his age. The fact that he is willing to take a reduced role to extend his career that much more really goes to show how committed he is to the game. His leadership, forged in the fires of some 20 years of professional hockey, would be an immeasurably valuable asset to his younger teammates and a staple for any NHL team's defensive group.

Other pundits have chimed in on Giordano's future, as well. Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun recently speculated that teams like the Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets, Carolina Hurricanes, and New York Rangers could be potential landing spots for the veteran defenseman. Each of these teams could use a seasoned leader to firm up their blue line, as experience has sometimes been an important factor during the long grind of a season. Giordano's on and off-ice contribution ability makes him quite an attractive choice for depth and leadership.

Mark Giordano's 2023-24 season was marred by injuries, playing a limited 46 games in which he had three goals and six assists. Still, his career numbers say a lot about a player who has had a stellar career. In 1,146 NHL games, he has managed to score 158 goals and 419 assists. When he does sign this season, it will be his 19th NHL campaign, a true testament to how durable and committed this athlete has been. As rosters continue to take shape, the question ultimately becomes: who will take a chance on one of the league's most respected blueliners? Whomever it is, Giordano's legacy as both a leader and a competitor is already cemented.