With the initial phase of free agency completed and most top-tier free agents already signed, only a few valuable players remain available for new deals this off-season.
NHL analyst Steve Silverman suggests that the reigning champions, the Florida Panthers, could address some of their roster needs by signing former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mark Giordano.
Though Giordano will turn 41 in October, he became a free agent on July 1 and intends to continue playing hockey for at least another year. In an article for Clutch Points, Silverman recommended that the Panthers sign the veteran.
“One of the players [Florida Panthers GM Barry] Zito must consider is defenseman Mark Giordano,” Silverman wrote. “Giordano is a solid veteran defenseman who has played 18 years in the NHL with the Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Seattle Kraken. At 40, Giordano is no longer at his peak, but he understands the position and can still play a tough, physical game. Giordano has seen it all throughout his career and would be a solid addition for a strong team like the Panthers.
“There are other players Zito can consider before the start of training camp, but Giordano understands the nuances of winning hockey and would be a solid free-agent acquisition.”
Giordano played in 46 games for the Leafs during the 2023-24 season, scoring 3 goals and assisting on 6 others, totaling 9 points in his age-40 season.