Analyst Urges Lightning to Sign Mark Giordano

NHL analyst Michael Derosa suggests that the Tampa Bay Lightning should consider signing former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mark Giordano.

Having become a free agent on July 1, Giordano, now 40, has not yet signed with a new team. Despite being the NHL’s oldest player last season, Giordano has expressed his desire to continue playing in the 2024-25 NHL season.

Derosa from The Hockey News wrote that Giordano would be a good addition to the Lightning.

“When reviewing the Tampa Bay Lightning’s roster, it’s clear they could benefit from adding another veteran defenseman. Given their current cap constraints, a major acquisition for their blueline isn’t feasible, but they could still bring in a bottom-pairing defenseman before the season starts. Among the remaining free agents, Mark Giordano stands out as a prime candidate,” Derosa wrote.

“Giordano, 40, is eager to keep playing but remains unsigned. Since free agency began two weeks ago, he’s likely to accept a low-cost, one-year contract, which the Lightning can offer,” Derosa added.

Derosa believes Giordano’s experience would be valuable for the Lightning’s defense, especially after Mikhail Sergachev was traded to Utah.

Giordano played 46 games with the Maple Leafs last season, scoring 3 goals and 6 assists for 9 points.

Analyst Explains Giordano’s Fit With Lightning

Despite turning 41 in October, Giordano showed last season that he can still contribute effectively in the NHL.

Although no longer the Norris Trophy-winning defenseman he was in 2019, Giordano can still serve as a sixth or seventh defenseman in the NHL. Derosa believes Giordano would also be a reliable defensive player and penalty killer for Tampa Bay.

“In terms of Giordano’s potential role with the Lightning, he would fit well in their bottom pairing. Additionally, the former Norris Trophy winner would enhance their penalty kill unit,” Derosa wrote.

The Lightning’s penalty kill ranked fifth in the NHL last season at 83.3%, but Derosa sees room for improvement with Giordano’s addition.

Currently, the Lightning have seven defensemen: Victor Hedman, Ryan McDonagh, Erik Cernak, J.J. Moser, Nick Perbix, Darren Raddysh, and Emil Lilleberg. It remains uncertain if Tampa Bay will pursue Giordano.

Former Maple Leaf Giordano Aims to Continue Playing

Prior to NHL free agency on July 1, Giordano’s agent Rich Winter told the Toronto Star’s Kevin McGran that his client intends to keep playing.

“Mark has decided to play for a few more years,” Winter said. “He feels very confident. Many have advised him not to quit until he’s forced to… He clearly wants to continue.”

It’s currently unclear if Giordano has received any contract offers, but the 40-year-old hopes to sign with an NHL team soon.

Giordano has been in the NHL since the 2005-06 season, playing for the Calgary Flames, Seattle Kraken, and Maple Leafs.