Mark Giordano connected to Metro Division team

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Josh Tupper
July 13, 2024 (5:12 PM)

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Could Mark Giordano Join the New York Rangers for One Last Run?

Mark Giordano, who recently played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, has seen his leadership appreciated but faced challenges due to age and injuries that may have limited his impact. Now a 40-year-old free-agent defenseman, Giordano might have a suitor in the New York Rangers, a team with a solid defensive lineup but possibly looking to bolster their bottom pairing on the left side with veteran presence.

Giordano's potential addition to the Rangers comes with several benefits:

Leadership: The Rangers, at times last season, seemed to lack the veteran leadership that can be crucial in high-pressure situations. Giordano, with his experience leading teams in demanding markets like Calgary and Toronto, could provide this missing element.

Experience in Tough Markets: Playing in Canada, particularly in cities like Calgary and Toronto, where players are under constant scrutiny, Giordano has proven he can handle the pressure. This experience can be invaluable to a team with championship aspirations.

Depth and Stability: Adding Giordano at the veteran minimum for one year could make sense for a team still in win-now mode. His presence on the bottom pairing could provide stability and allow younger players to develop without the burden of heavy minutes in critical situations.

The primary considerations for the Rangers would be:

Contract Length and Value: If the Rangers are willing to offer Giordano a one-year deal at the veteran minimum, it minimizes risk while potentially adding significant value to their roster.

Fit and Role: Determining how Giordano fits into the current defensive lineup and what specific role he would play is crucial. His ability to mentor younger defensemen and contribute in a limited, strategic capacity could be beneficial.

The question remains whether the Rangers, who are looking to build on their recent playoff success, will see Giordano as the piece that can help push them over the top. His ability to lead, combined with his experience, makes him an intriguing option for a team seeking to make a deep playoff run.

As the summer progresses, the possibility of Giordano joining the Rangers for one last push towards a Stanley Cup adds an interesting dynamic to the offseason. It remains to be seen if the two parties can find common ground to make this potential move a reality.

Source: Blade of Steel
Veteran UFA defenceman could be a fit for New York Rangers bottom pair