The oldest player in the NHL linked to 3 Canadian teams
Photo credit: Yardbarker
There is some last-minute scrambling to get players who are unsigned to new contracts or professional tryouts with NHL clubs, as training camps are about to open in a few weeks.
Veteran defenseman Mark Giordano, who is still a free agent, is looking for a place to call home.
Members of the Flames Talk podcast have revealed on a recent episode that unrestricted free agent Mark Giordano, the oldest NHL player, is linked to three teams.
Mark Giordano, who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs last season, was the oldest player in the National Hockey League at the age of forty. Giordano has stated that he isn't ready to give up skating just yet, despite his advanced age. Ritch Winter, his agent, implied recently on the Eric Francis Hour that three Canadian teams are among the teams interested in adding the veteran defenseman.
"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."
The leadership and expertise of Mark Giordano would be a huge asset to the Toronto Maple Leafs locker room. The eight-year Calgary Flames captain has played for a few NHL teams and brings a wealth of experience, especially on the blue line, which only helps a team get better. He had a reputation for mentoring younger players in Toronto last season, imparting professionalism and the mindset required to be a top-tier defenseman.
In order to join the Leafs as a depth defenseman, Mark Giordano would seem to have to sign a league-minimum contract because the team has a surplus of defensemen and little cap space. The contract has not yet been official because the team needs to resolve the issue with Jani Hakanpaa, who is still out due to injury.
However, once that is resolved, the Leafs may focus on Giordano.
Though it's unclear if Leafs general manager Brad Treliving will go after Mark Giordano, the team still has some flexibility to try and make room for him on the roster.
Though it's unclear if Leafs general manager Brad Treliving will go after Mark Giordano, the team still has some flexibility to try and make room for him on the roster.
Source: Oilers Daily
Edmonton Oilers interested in signing oldest player in the NHL
Edmonton Oilers interested in signing oldest player in the NHL
| POLL | ||
7 SEPTEMBRE | 197 ANSWERS The oldest player in the NHL linked to 3 Canadian teams Where do you think Mark Giordano will end up? | ||
| Toronto Maple Leafs | 68 | 34.5 % |
| Calgary Flames | 26 | 13.2 % |
| Edmonton Oilers | 27 | 13.7 % |
| Elsewhere | 76 | 38.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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