Huge Boost: Lightning confirm a huge deal with Maple Leafs with agreement signed
NHL analyst Michael Derosa suggests that the Tampa Bay Lightning should consider signing former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mark Giordano. Giordano, who became a free agent on July 1, is still unsigned. Despite being the oldest player in the NHL last season at 40, Giordano has expressed a desire to continue playing in the 2024-25 NHL season.
Derosa, writing for The Hockey News, argues that the Lightning could benefit from adding a veteran defenseman to their roster. Given their current salary cap constraints, the Lightning are not in a position to make significant acquisitions for their blueline but could still bring in a bottom-pairing defenseman. Derosa identifies Giordano as a suitable candidate for this role.
Derosa notes, “Considering Tampa Bay’s roster, it’s reasonable to suggest they need one more experienced defenseman. With the remaining free agents, Mark Giordano stands out as someone who could fit their needs.”
He also mentions that Giordano might have to accept a modest one-year contract due to his current free-agent status and the time elapsed since free agency began. Derosa believes that the Lightning could offer such a deal, providing the team with additional experience on the blueline, especially after trading Mikhail Sergachev to Utah.
Last season, Giordano played 46 games with the Maple Leafs, tallying 3 goals and 6 assists for a total of 9 points.
Analyst Details Giordano’s Fit With Lightning
Despite turning 41 in October, veteran defenseman Mark Giordano demonstrated last season that he can still be a valuable NHL player. Although he is no longer the Norris-winning defenseman he was in 2019, Giordano remains capable of fulfilling a role as a sixth or seventh defenseman in the NHL. Michael Derosa also believes Giordano could be a strong defensive player and penalty killer for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Derosa suggests, “When considering where Giordano could fit in the Lightning’s lineup, he would be a natural choice for their bottom pairing. Additionally, the former Norris Trophy winner would bolster their penalty kill unit.”
While Tampa Bay’s penalty kill ranked fifth in the NHL last season with an 83.3% success rate, Derosa sees room for improvement with the addition of Giordano.
Currently, the Lightning’s defensive lineup includes Victor Hedman, Ryan McDonagh, Erik Cernak, J.J. Moser, Nick Perbix, Darren Raddysh, and Emil Lilleberg. It remains uncertain if Tampa Bay has any interest in signing Giordano.
Former Maple Leafs Giordano Wants to Continue Playing
Ahead of NHL free agency on July 1, Mark Giordano’s agent, Rich Winter, told the Toronto Star’s Kevin McGran that Giordano intends to continue playing next season. Winter stated, “Mark has decided he’s going to play for a few more years. He’s very confident. He’s been advised by many people to keep playing until they tell him he can’t. He definitely wants to continue his career.”
It remains unclear whether Giordano currently has any contract offers, but the hope is that he will sign with an NHL team soon. Giordano, who has been in the NHL since the 2005-06 season, has previously played for the Calgary Flames, Seattle Kraken, and the Toronto Maple Leafs.