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3 Toronto Maple Leafs That Will Regress in 2023-24

By Edward Eng

Apr 27, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Alex Killorn (17) battles for the puck with Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mark Giordano (55) in front of Toronto goaltender Ilya Samsonov (35) during the first period in game five of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Alex Killorn (17) battles for the puck with Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mark Giordano (55) in front of Toronto goaltender Ilya Samsonov (35) during the first period in game five of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Oct 14, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mark Giordano (55) Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Mark Giordano

Mark Giordano was the Toronto Maple Leafs key acquisition at the trade deadline two years ago that added some veteran leadership to their defensive corps as part of their playoff run for the past couple of seasons.

Not only did he provide solid defence, but as a former Norris Trophy winner in 2018-19 in which he amassed a career-high 74 points, he could occasionally give the team the offensive spark if needed.

After all, he has averaged close to 30 points a season in the past four years despite getting up there in age.

However, after a heavy workload midway through last season due to injuries hitting the Leafs blueline, Giordano began to show his age more near the end of the regular season.

In particular during the playoffs, he definitely appeared slower and less effective than his usual self.

So far this year after five games, Giordano has witnessed a significant decrease in his playing time, averaging just around 16 minutes a game, compared to close to 19 minutes a game last season.

In addition, he has registered only one assist, along with a GF% of 33.33 and a SCF% of 47.19 in all situations (both career lows) so far this season.

Having just turned 40 over a couple weeks ago, Giordano will probably not be getting any faster and will most likely see a steady decline in play as the season goes on in 2023-24.

He won’t be falling off a cliff just yet, but one shouldn’t expect the dominant Giordano that we all admired during his glory days with the Calgary Flames at this point of stage in his career.

So if his ineffectiveness becomes more evident as the season goes on, don’t be surprised that by the trade deadline, the Toronto Maple Leafs could be looking at an upgrade in the position in preparation for the playoffs.

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