Ex-Leafs Defenseman Already Playing an Important Role For the Organization Off the Ice
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton - USA TODAY SPORTS
The Maple Leafs are already benefitting from the skills and knowledge of a former defenseman, who playing an important role for the team off the ice following his playing career.
With the NHL's Rookie Showcase in full swing, it's the perfect chance to evaluate how prospects fit into the future of the club and track their progress through training.
Training camp isn't just about prospects proving themselves, however. It can also be an opportunity for people within the organization to take on new roles and former players to transition to life after their playing careers.
That's exactly the case for former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mark Giordano, who was spotted behind the bench during the Leafs' rookie tournament game against the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday.
As per Nick Barden on X:
"Mark Giordano is behind the bench with the Maple Leafs' prospects."
Giordano Playing an Important Role for the Maple Leafs Even After Hanging Up the Skates
Giordano last played in the NHL during the 2023-24 season with the Leafs. Since his NHL career as a player, he has transitioned into a player development role with the organization.
Earlier this summer, Giordano was also seen working with Matthew Schaefer, the 2025 first-overall pick of the New York Islanders, ahead of the draft.
Over the course of his career, Giordano played 1,148 NHL games with the Calgary Flames, Seattle Kraken, and Maple Leafs. His most notable achievement came in the 2018-19 season, when he won the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman.
It's also worth noting that the Leafs' top prospect, Easton Cowan, did not suit up for today's rookie game, raising eyebrows and sparking some concern over his health.
As for Giordano, though, it will be interesting to see how his role within the organization evolves throughout the year and in the seasons to come.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 14 | 1697 ANSWERS Ex-Leafs Defenseman Already Playing an Important Role For the Organization Off the Ice Would Mark Giordano be a good fit as an NHL coach in the future? | ||
| Yes | 1514 | 89.2 % |
| No | 183 | 10.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
