Giordano signs 2-year extension 800k AAV

[Nik]

They can choose to try to be better. They need skill and luck to actually be better.

I feel relatively confident that to the extent that they can choose to try and be better that they will make that choice.

[L K]

I think they might keep Spezza as a 13th guy if he agrees to a reduced role.

He seems like the kind of guy who won’t complain as long as he gets to hang out with the boys

Only problem is Simmonds is already signed for next season and would currently be penciled in for that spot too. I really don't think we can justify having them both on the roster. If Spezza does want to return maybe we could see if Simmonds would be open to a trade to Philly.

I know the lockerroom seems to love both guys but I think I would rather have Spezza in the lockerroom over Simmonds if we are having them there as more of a cheerleader/veteran type role.

[herman]

Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts said that he believes the original deal for Mark Giordano was around 1M a year and that Giordano himself was the one who shaved it down to 800K for the team.

That is pure passion.

— Nick DeSouza (@NickDeSouza_) May 23, 2022

[CarltonTheBear]

I keep thinking there's something we must be missing here. Like are there $3mil in performance bonuses that just haven't been reported yet?

[Guilt Trip]

I keep thinking there's something we must be missing here. Like are there $3mil in performance bonuses that just haven't been reported yet?

I find it hard to believe they signed him for 800K. But who knows how these guys think? He's playing at home now with a 1st class organization.

[Zanzibar Buck-Buck McFate]

I think they might keep Spezza as a 13th guy if he agrees to a reduced role.

He seems like the kind of guy who won’t complain as long as he gets to hang out with the boys

Only problem is Simmonds is already signed for next season and would currently be penciled in for that spot too. I really don't think we can justify having them both on the roster. If Spezza does want to return maybe we could see if Simmonds would be open to a trade to Philly.

I know the lockerroom seems to love both guys but I think I would rather have Spezza in the lockerroom over Simmonds if we are having them there as more of a cheerleader/veteran type role.

They don't need cheerleader/veterans taking up space.  The core guys aren't kids anymore.  They need to maximize talent on ice.

[Guilt Trip]

I think they might keep Spezza as a 13th guy if he agrees to a reduced role.

He seems like the kind of guy who won’t complain as long as he gets to hang out with the boys

Only problem is Simmonds is already signed for next season and would currently be penciled in for that spot too. I really don't think we can justify having them both on the roster. If Spezza does want to return maybe we could see if Simmonds would be open to a trade to Philly.

I know the lockerroom seems to love both guys but I think I would rather have Spezza in the lockerroom over Simmonds if we are having them there as more of a cheerleader/veteran type role.

They don't need cheerleader/veterans taking up space.  The core guys aren't kids anymore.  They need to maximize talent on ice.

Agree. If Spezza comes back in a limited role, Simmonds goes to the Marlies and is an injury replacement guy. We can't have them both playing on a line anymore. We need more from our bottom 6. I think it's time for a kid from the Marlies to be there. A guy like Douglas, who is a monster. Holmberg, Anderson, Steeves, McMann, Seney. Surely they could make a pretty decent 4th line with these guys.

[CarltonTheBear]

Guys that can be the shot supressing shut down type that you don't mind if they get caught out against the other teams top lines.

You quite literally just described Mark Giordano, who coincidentally enough suppressed shots at a better rate than any Tampa defenceman this season.

[herman]

Giordano: “First and foremost, I believe in this team. I believe this team is a contender.”

— David Alter (@dalter) May 23, 2022

Giordano says his family is settled into a nice spot in Toronto and will probably spend the offseason looking for a house.

He also mentioned that he owned a house in the city approx 2-3 years ago and sold it: “I wish I hadn’t now looking back” he joked.

— David Alter (@dalter) May 23, 2022

[herman]

#Leafs GM Kyle Dubas said he appreciated Mark Giordano’s sacrifice when it came to the negotiation process. Did Giordano feel like he was sacrificing anything? pic.twitter.com/EXaDuMhNQ2

— David Alter (@dalter) May 23, 2022

Mark Giordano on why he believes this team can get the job done moving forward. https://t.co/5XXKauhK0A pic.twitter.com/39P8bRMmhk

— David Alter (@dalter) May 23, 2022

[Zanzibar Buck-Buck McFate]

I know I am probably in the minority here but I was really hoping that the D would be reshaped over the summer and my vision did not include Giordano.
What this team needs is a little more size, reach, mobility and some nastiness in their 5-6  pairing.  Guys that can be the shot supressing shut down type that you don't mind if they get caught out against the other teams top lines.
Foot speed was an apparent problem at times for him and it will certainly not improve at the age of 40.
The way I look at it, would he play in Tampas top 6? No, he would probably be their 8th best defenceman. So if you want to not only keep up but be better then the Tampa Bays of the league, why do we settle for pieces him? Granted many teams would love him at this cap hit, but the mind set can't be to just make playoffs anymore.

Lyubushkin filled that bill ... except for the bolded part.

[Nik]

Does anyone in the league really have 6 defensemen that make you say "Oh yeah, they should do fine against the other team's top line"?

[Bill_Berg_is_sad]

They can choose to try to be better. They need skill and luck to actually be better.

I feel relatively confident that to the extent that they can choose to try and be better that they will make that choice.

For sure.  I believe they are all in on being the best team in the NHL. Now can they do it.

[Guilt Trip]

Does anyone in the league really have 6 defensemen that make you say "Oh yeah, they should do fine against the other team's top line"?

Nope. You hope they survive.

[Highlander]

It's a great signing, I found Gio to have a calming affect on the entire D and plays very steady.  I think it is a steal of a deal.  Now time to move out Muzz, Holl and that goalie that I can't spell, whose name is not Campbell. Spezz is done as a player, but development coach, part of staff, yes please.  Simmonds should be mentoring Marlies.  Douglas will be our 4th line C next year no doubt.