Maple Leafs smartly retain Giordano, sign veteran defenceman to two-year contract

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Mark Giordano got his wish.

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When the Maple Leafs met with media last week for the last time before going their separate ways for the summer, the veteran defenceman made it fairly clear he wanted to remain with his hometown team.

Rather than hit the open market in free agency this summer, Giordano on Sunday signed a two-year contract with an average annual value of $800,000 US.

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Not only is it smart deal for a Toronto team that has to spend its few dollars wisely this summer, general manager Kyle Dubas retains a player who made a solid contribution after he was acquired from the Seattle Kraken on March 20.

“Everyone knows I’m from Toronto, I love it here,” Giordano said last Tuesday. “I’ve loved my time here. I don’t think it’s a secret that I enjoyed my time here.

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“It has been an awesome experience (to play for the Leafs). Being able to play on the rink and put that jersey on, the atmosphere in the rink, it’s cool, but then having the support of a lot of family, friends and fans around the city has been really good.”

Giordano, who will turn 39 in October, brought a steadying influence to the Toronto blue line. In 20 regular-season games with the Leafs, Giordano had 12 points (two goals and 10 assists) and in the seven-game, first-round series against Tampa Bay, he had two assists.

Giordano was asked what his top priority would be in free agency.

“Honestly, at this point in my career, it’s all about being on a team that can that I believe can win and get to that next level,” Giordano said. “That’s all it’s about for me.”

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And yes, he did get enough of a sample size with the Leafs to believe the club had the proper personnel to win a Stanley Cup.

“Johnny’s (Tavares) the captain, the leader of the group, Mitchy (Marner), Matty (Auston Matthews), all those guys, the way they battled and competed is something special to watch from your top players,” Giordano said. “I definitely think that those guys can push this team into the right direction and over that line of winning and losing.

“I feel like I could still contribute, I can still help the team push the needle forward. (When) I don’t think I’m contributing in a positive way, I’m not going to keep going, but I feel pretty good about my game.

“And I feel like I’m a guy who can also help young guys along the way. I felt good and keep training hard, and hopefully keep going for a few more years.”

Though he didn’t arrive until late in March, Giordano’s knowledge aided defence partner Timothy Liljegren in taking steps forward in the latter stage of the regular season.

With the signing of Giordano, the Leafs have five veteran defencemen — Morgan Rielly, Jake Muzzin, TJ Brodie, Giordano and Justin Holl — under contract for 2022-23.

Rasmus Sandin and Liljegren are restricted free agents, while Ilya Lyubushkin is unrestricted.

tkoshan@postmedia.com

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