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Mark Giordano's Agent Discusses Conversations with Flames, Maple Leafs, and Oilers
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    Mark Giordano’s Agent Discusses Conversations with Flames, Maple Leafs, and Oilers

    Mark Giordano isn’t ready to call it quits just yet.

    Ritch Winter, the agent for the 40-year-old defenceman, joined the Eric Francis Hour of Flames Talk on Friday and said he’s had discussions with a number of teams but that he and Giordano are still waiting for the right fit.

    Some of the teams that Winter said he’s talked to about defenceman’s services include the Edmonton Oilers and two of Giordano’s former teams — the Calgary Flames and Toronto Maple Leafs.

    Winter said Giordano’s biggest priority when it comes to his next team is to win a Stanley Cup.

    “He’s looking to win. Even Gio doesn’t think he has 10 years left, so you want to try and win,” Winter said.

    To do that, Winter said they are either looking to join a rebuilding squad — like the Flames — and then be moved at the deadline, or join an established contender like the Maple Leafs or Oilers.

    However, Winter said Flames GM Craig Conroy wasn’t super interested in reuniting with Giordano.

    “It wasn’t something that we really pushed hard and it didn’t seem like Conroy had much interest in it,” Winter said of Giordano returning to Calgary. “I think he missed the mark, I would tell him that. … What better player do you know than Gio to be a mentor to a bunch of young kids about what it takes to prepare and be an elite NHL player?”

    Giordano began his career with the Flames in 2005 and captained the team for eight seasons from 2013-2021. He won the Norris Trophy in 2018-19 and the Mark Messier Leadership Award the following season.

    If the soon-to-be 41-year-old finds a team this upcoming campaign, it would be Giordano’s 19th season in the league. He played the last two-and-a-half seasons with his hometown Maple Leafs.

    Giordano struggled with injuries last season as he played in just 46 regular season games and recorded three goals and six assists. He also did not see any action in the playoffs this spring as Toronto bowed out in seven games to the Boston Bruins.

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    Mark Giordano, the veteran defenseman for the Calgary Flames, has been the subject of trade rumors in recent weeks as the NHL trade deadline approaches. His agent, Ritch Winter, recently spoke about the conversations he has had with the Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Edmonton Oilers regarding his client.

    Winter revealed that he has been in discussions with all three teams about the possibility of a trade involving Giordano. The Flames, who are currently sitting outside of a playoff spot in the Western Conference, are considering moving the 37-year-old defenseman in order to acquire assets for the future. The Maple Leafs and Oilers, both of whom are in playoff contention, are interested in adding a veteran presence like Giordano to their blue line for a potential Stanley Cup run.

    Winter emphasized that Giordano’s preference is to remain with the Flames, where he has spent his entire 15-year NHL career. However, he also acknowledged that Giordano understands the business side of hockey and is open to the possibility of being traded to a contending team.

    Giordano, who won the Norris Trophy as the league’s top defenseman in 2019, is still playing at a high level despite his age. He has recorded 22 points in 40 games this season and continues to be a key contributor for the Flames on both ends of the ice.

    As the trade deadline approaches on April 12th, it remains to be seen whether Giordano will be moved to a new team or if he will finish out the season in Calgary. Regardless of where he ends up, it is clear that the interest in the veteran defenseman is high among several NHL teams.