Giordano went from a moderately successful depth NHLer to the odd man out in the early 2000’s; undrafted at the NHL level before inking his first contract with the Flames, the now-31 year old defenseman walked away from North American hockey for a year before truly discovering his game in the 2008 season.
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The new deal will carry an annual average value of $6.75 million, meaning the team’s captain will earn $40.5 million, per Chris Johnston of Sportsnet. It’s also a very reasonable sum for a No. 1 blueliner who was the favorite to claim the 2015 Norris Trophy before he suffered a torn biceps tendon in February, prematurely ending his season. Calgary played 11 playoff games before bowing out to the Anaheim Ducks in the second round. He’s scored 245 points in 510 career regular-season games while playing a physical brand of defense in his own zone, which has helped him accumulate a plus-38 rating across nine seasons.
Giordano’s new deal further solidifies a strong group of defenceman following the acquisition of Dougie Hamilton from the Boston Bruins. The GM quickly signed the 22-year-old to a $34.5-million, six-year deal.
Mark Giordano was considered the “x-factor” for the 2014-2015 Calgary Flames.
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They include Kris Russell, who led the National Hockey League in blocked shots last season, rookie sensation Johnny Gaudreau, top centre Sean Monahan, leading scorer Jiri Hudler and goaltender Jonas Hiller.
