Signing Mark Giordano to a new contract was the first thing on GM Brad Treliving’s list this offseason. Now, with only a few weeks to go until Training Camp is set to kick off, the anchor of a young defensive core has been inked to a deal worth over $40 million over the next six years. With an annual cap hit of $6.75 million a year, there’s very little to not like about this deal.
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The veteran blueliner took a discount last time, so an increase like this one is expected. After a career year with Norris aspirations, Giordano is looking to build on his previous success. While its almost a guarantee Gio will be paired up with TJ Brodie, the acquisition of up and coming defenseman Dougie Hamilton could create some competition as to who will pair up with the captain.
Signing Giordano to a contract like this also sets a precedence for how Brad Treliving wants to run his team. By not signing a max contract, Treliving has set a standard that has been followed by every member in Calgary, playing into the “Earned, Not Given” motto. This signing sends a message that any player, no matter their position in the team, gets a contract that reflects their skill and commitment to the team mentality.
The biggest thing that the new contract provides is the Calgary Flames locks up the top 3 defensemen on the team for at least the next 5 years. Aside from Kris Russell, who will be in need of a new contract next summer, the top 4 of this dynamic core is solidified for the near future. With Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau needing new deals as well next summer, this organization will be tight against the cap.
The one possible negative aspect of this deal is the term. While Giordano is one of the premier blueliners in the NHL, his age will continue to play a factor and as he gets older, the risk of injury will keep becoming higher and higher. Once this contract expires, Gio will be 37 years old. For a defenseman, that age isn’t horrible but still a major concern. His ability to produce at the rate that he has will also greatly diminish as he gets older.
Despite the fact that his age makes a huge concern going forward, the upside of Giordano vastly outweighs such a little factor. He is still the undoubted leader of this young team, and the team will continue to lean on him to lead them back to the playoffs. His heart and team-first mentality is a rare commodity that few captains possess. For the time being, Treliving has shown that he has faith in his captain.
Next: Calgary Flames Cap Crunch
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