The Dallas Stars have already made big moves to stay in contention, but with their salary cap stretched thin, the next addition will need to be strategic.
That's where veteran defenseman Mark Giordano could come into play. At 40 years old, Giordano is no longer the All-Star he once was, but his experience, right-shot presence, and leadership could make him a sneaky fit for Dallas at a price that won't disrupt Jim Nill's cap management.
With names like Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and Miro Heiskanen already eating up significant space, the Stars need complementary depth pieces to round out their roster. Giordano is expected to be available on a low-cost deal, making him the type of player who could slot into a bottom-pair role and bring stability.
According to Stars Thoughts, Dallas is looking for "bottom-four defenseman and possibly one more forward," but must shop in the discount aisle due to cap pressure. Giordano perfectly matches that description.
He wouldn't be asked to play heavy minutes behind Heiskanen and Thomas Harley, but instead to steady the defense when needed, kill penalties, and provide playoff poise.
The Stars have seen how vital depth can be in the postseason, and a low-cost veteran like Giordano gives them flexibility without requiring big assets in return.
Even at his age, Giordano still brings toughness, hockey sense, and the ability to play a simple, effective game that coaches trust in high-leverage moments. For a team chasing a Stanley Cup, that kind of stability has real value.
"Dallas doesn't need another star, they need dependable depth, and Giordano could be the perfect fit," one analyst suggested.
I think this type of move makes a lot of sense, because sometimes it's the quiet veteran additions that end up being the difference in a deep playoff run.
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