Maple Leafs Defenseman Makes Surprising Decision About His Future

The NHL's oldest active player at the end of the 2023-24 season, Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mark Giordano was expected by many to hang up the skates after noticeably slowing down at the age of 40 this past year.

But Giordano has made the decision not only to keep playing, he shockingly plans to play "a few more years," as relayed by his agent, Rich Winter.

Mark has made the decision that he’s playing for a few more years. He feels very confident. He’s been talking to a lot of people who tell him: Don’t quit until they make you.

Mark Giordano isn’t ready to hang up the skates just yet. Do you think the Leafs should bring him back? pic.twitter.com/cij9HZN2DY
— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) June 21, 2024

No one is saying that the Leafs are "making" him quit, but it's very questionable that they'll be bringing him back as the team looks to rebuild its blueline.

The Toronto-born d-man was only able to suit up for 46 games with Toronto this past season, notching three goals and six assists for nine points, all of those numbers being career-lows.

But perhaps what's driving him is the fact that he's 'only' five years removed from winning the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman at the age of 35 back in 2019.

He'll be looking to make it back for his 19th NHL season in the fall — be it with his hometown team or elsewhere.