'Toronto's Still Not Sure What's Happening With (Jani) Hakanpaa And Gio's Been Very Patient': Mark Giordano's Agent Updates the Latest on Maple Leafs' Interest in Veteran Defenseman
Rich Winter says the Oilers and Maple Leafs have an interest in the 40-year-old blueliner's services.
With training camps set to open up in just a couple of weeks, there is some last-minute scrambling to get players left unsigned new contracts or professional tryouts with NHL clubs.
That's also the case for veteran defenseman Mark Giordano who remains an unrestricted free agent.
Giordano's agent, Rich Winter, was a guest on 'Flames Talk' with Sportsnet's Pat Steinberg and Eric Francis and provided an update on where things stand with the former Norris Trophy winner.
"We've talked to Edmonton (Oilers) and Toronto (Maple Leafs) and Toronto's still not sure what's happening with Jani Hakanpaa And Gio's been very patient," Winter said. "He recognizes that the best spot might be two weeks into camp because we're at that time of year where all the kids there, they look great. 'You know, I'm pretty excited about seeing what, you know, so-and-so can do'. And then they find out, 'wow, we missed the mark on that'. So I think, you know, Gio's holding firm until he finds an opportunity that gives him a high probability of being in that Stanley Cup Final. And obviously, Edmonton's a good place."
Giordano spent the last two-plus seasons with the Maple Leafs, but multiple injuries and roster decisions limited the player to 46 games in 2023-24. He was also not selected to dress during the Leafs' first-round series loss against the Boston Bruins.
The Maple Leafs reportedly agreed to terms with Hakanpaa in July but concerns over the player's knee injury from last season have since surfaced. There has been optimism recently from TSN's Chris Johnston who feels we might see Hakanpaa at least show up at Leafs training camp.
Winter pushed the Oilers as a possible destination for Giordano, who wants to come back for a chance to win a Stanley Cup, a trophy that has eluded him throughout his 18-year NHL career.
Giordano has been working out with the same people he worked with when he won Norris as the NHL's best defenseman back in 2019.
Another possibility Winter pointed out was playing for a team that doesn't have much of a chance at making the playoffs before being moved at the trade deadline, possibly linking the veteran to return to the Flames where it all began. But apparently Calgary isn't buying it.
"It was something that we really pushed hard and it didn't seem that (Flames GM) Craig Conroy had much interest in it. I think he missed the mark. I would tell him that if he was on the phone with us. And I think it was a real opportunity to do something unique that I think could help. What better player do you know than Geo to be an example to a bunch of young kids, about what it takes to prepare and be an elite NHL player."
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Winter is also convinced that Giordano will be working in an NHL front office beyond his playing days, whenever that may be. If Giordano does sign somewhere, he will remain the oldest player in the NHL.
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