September 7, 2024 | 7:45pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

GIORDANO A DEPTH OPTION FOR CONTENDERS?

Mark Giordano, defenceman

Unrestricted free agent defenceman Mark Giordano continues to weigh his options with training camps set to begin across the NHL on Sept. 18

Giordano, 40, played in just 46 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season, primarily due to injuries, where he picked up three goals, six assists and 49 penalty minutes.

In an interview on Sportsnet’s Flames Talk podcast on Friday, Giordano’s agent Ritch Winter revealed he has spoken with several teams about his client, including the Calgary Flames, Buffalo Sabres, Edmonton Oilers and Maple Leafs.

“We’re talking to a lot of teams. He’s looking to win. Even Gio doesn’t think he has 10 years left, so you want to try and win,” Winter said.

Giordano is likely to join a club on a one-year deal worth around or under $1 million. While the preference is to sign on with a contending team right out of the gate, according to Winter, the veteran blueliner is open to joining a rebuilding club as a mentor with the notion of being moved to a Stanley Cup contender ahead of the trade deadline.

Winter also acknowledged that Giordano could wait a week or two into training camps before making a decision, as a club may find the need to add a veteran piece to its blueline.

“Gio’s holding firm until he finds an opportunity that gives him a high probability of being in that Stanley Cup Final,” Winter said. “Obviously, Edmonton’s a good place.”

Giordano’s goal is to pursue a Stanley Cup this season, but jumping on with a team like the Flames, which seems unlikely, or the Sabres, could be the first step towards that.

“In Buffalo, who we’re talking to, they’ve got young kids who could benefit. They’re a little worried with his pedigree, will he be happy with the ice time, will he be happy if he’s a part-time player,” Winter stated. “Ultimately, Gio has to make a decision as to what will help him accomplish his goals.”