Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Former Norris Trophy winner and Maple Leafs defenseman Mark Giordano was spotted coaching during the Prospect Showcase as Toronto look to the vet for mentorship.
The Toronto Maple Leafs took part in their portion of the Prospect Showcase this weekend that had them split games with the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens, led by newcomers Luke Haymes and Ryan Kirwan as well as NHL hopeful Jacob Quillan.
It was a great two-day exhibition that allowed management, fans, and arguably most importantly; coaches, see what they have to work with in the future and who might end up being one of the first to be called up to big club.
Speaking of coaches, the team was led by Marlies head coach John Gruden, who is likely going to be seeing a ton of the players he coached go through his team this season, and it’s a great way for him to get a feel for what a lineup might be.
Why the Maple Leafs Are Turning to Mark Giordano in a New Role
But there was also another addition to the bench that didn’t go unnoticed, and it could lead to some pretty fantastic results in the future.
Former Maple Leafs defenseman and Norris Trophy winner Mark Giordano was spotted working behind the bench with the Maple Leafs coaching team and likely giving some pointers to their blueliners.
While there isn’t a definitive reason why Giordano made an appearance behind the bench, but if he’s there then obviously there was a good reason for it.
Or perhaps it’s leading to something down the line.
What Giordano’s Presence Could Mean for the Leafs’ Young Defensemen
Maybe this was a bit of an audition for Giordano to have a role with the Marlies down the line as part of their development at least on the back end.
While he currently doesn’t work for the Maple Leafs in terms of player development as an official role (or if he is, hasn’t been listed on the team’s coaching staff list) but that doesn’t mean he won’t.
If there is anyone who knows the ins and outs of the game and what little nuances make for a long-lasting and fruitful NHL career; it’s Giordano.
The NHL’s all-time leading shot blocker (2,118) Giordano was known for being one of the toughest, most resilient and intelligent defenseman of the last two decades.
He spent three seasons as a member of the Maple Leafs, playing in 144 games and registering 45 points (9 goals, 36 assists) and had 274 blocks finishing a plus-49.
The team has players like Danford, and Cade Webber who are shutdown defenders who can benefit from the knowledge and wisdom of Giordano, meanwhile guys like William Villeneuve and Henry Thrun can learn to improve their defensive chops while they already have that offensive part locked down.
So while nothing is set in stone when it comes to Giordano working full-time with the Maple Leafs; he’s sure as heck going to make sure they end up rock solid in the future.
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Former Norris Trophy Winner Joins Maple Leafs Coaching Staff
Should Toronto hire Mark Giordano as an assistant coach for either the AHL or NHL level?