Apr 1, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Mark Giordano (5) heads to the ice before the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
"Today, Flames GM Darryl Sutter signed the 27 year-old potential unrestricted free agent (Mark Giordano) to a five-year extension with the Calgary Flames worth, according to CapGeek, $20.1 million. Last season, Giordano was tops amongst Flames defensemen with 11 goals and 19 assists and stood out on the blueline amongst established stars Jay Bouwmeester and Robyn Regehr….The cost of keeping him in Calgary will be worth debating since while Giordano’s skill set is getting to be well known now, the Flames are banking on him continuing to improve and show his worth and become a #2 defenseman."
Here is The Hockey News assessment of Giordano’s skill set:
"Assets: Skates well, moves the puck and possesses good offensive ability. Always works hard to improve his all-around game. Can be a factor on the power play. Underrated in physical contests, he’s developing into a top-notch team leader thanks to his tenacious, warrior style of play. Is an excellent shot-blocker.Flaws: While he’s very strong, he does not possess ideal National Hockey League size for a blueliner, so he can at times struggle against bigger forwards in his own end. Needs to continue shooting the puck more in order to maximize his offensive potential."
Giordano broke his ankle October 21st last season during a game versus the Los Angeles Kings. The Calgary Flames were 5-4-2 at that point in the season. The Flames went 5-11-2 during Giordano’s injury absence. Obviously there were other contributing factors to the Flames slide aside from Giordano’s injury but his presence was missed.
For the first time in Mark Giordano’s career, he earned votes in the Norris Trophy race. According to hockey-reference.com, Giordano earned 36 votes placing him 10th overall amongst NHL defenseman. Giordano’s 47 points in 64 games last season also placed him 11th overall in defenseman points last season.
What does the captain of the Calgary Flames Mark Giordano do for an encore in 2014-15?