For defenseman Mark Giordano, a return to the Toronto Maple Leafs was the direction to take as he enters his final seasons in professional hockey.
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The Calgary Flames and Seattle Kraken alum agreed to a two-year, $1.6 million contract to stay on his hometown team and an organization with a legitimate chance to win the Stanley Cup short term. At 39, he wants to evolve in a place that will enrich him both in terms of hockey and in terms of personal life.
“I have reached a stage in my career where I want to benefit from as many opportunities to win as possible. So, we thought of it first as a family unit. Since my kids won’t have to change schools or addresses, it was the perfect combination,” he said, as reported by NHL.com on Monday.
Granted, Giordano said he enjoyed what he saw from the Leafs despite their first-round playoff elimination against the Tampa Bay Lightning. With the Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Mitch Marner and other talented hockey players, they have several reasons to believe in their means in the years to come.
“Having played here with the guys and from my perspective of being a hockey player in this roster, it’s not hard to see that this is a club that’s not far from aspiring status in this league, said the one who was acquired by Toronto on March 20. We forced Tampa Bay to play seven games. […] It was difficult to be dismissed, but we all think that we have a team close to the goal. We know it takes a few steps to get there, but we believe in this band, that’s for sure.”
A happy organization
As for general manager Kyle Dubas, the enthusiasm was palpable.
“Mark arrived at the trade deadline and showed his worth as a veteran who stabilizes our defensive squad with his presence, while improving our defensive game. He does everything necessary to help the club win and that includes huge [financial] concessions in contract negotiations.”
Indeed, for the principal concerned, the quality of life and happiness take precedence over other aspects. And Toronto can offer him the expected package.
“I’m really blessed to have had this career so far and to find myself in good financial shape,” he admitted. I was not concerned with complicated talks. I wanted to stay here. I love the team and I will do whatever it takes to keep the team moving forward.”
