Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Maple Leafs Bring Back Retired Defenseman on Front Office Role

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Sep 18, 2025 10:45 AM ET

Mark Giordano’s long playing career has ended, but his connection to the Toronto Maple Leafs is just beginning anew.

General manager Brad Treliving confirmed Wednesday that the 41-year-old former defenseman will join the Leafs organization in a role with their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies.

“We’ll have an announcement there. Mark will be joining the group here primarily on the Marlies side,” Treliving said. “And then some of the other changes and promotions, and we’ve added some pro scouts and different folks, so we’re going to get that out to you. I don’t want to break all the news here.”

The move makes Giordano’s retirement from the NHL official, closing out an 18-season run that included a Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman in 2019 and 1,148 career games with Calgary, Seattle and Toronto.

Brad Treliving says Mark Giordano will be joining the Leafs staff, working on the Marlies side of things as part of some promotions/changes still to be announced in the coming days.
— David Alter (@dalter) September 17, 2025

Giordano last played for the Maple Leafs in 2023-24, appearing in 46 games before going unsigned this past offseason. He put up 45 total points during his three-year stint with the Maple Leafs, appearing in 144 regular-season games.

Giordano had been weighing his options after free-agent interest failed to materialize, with the veteran getting linked to Edmonton, Buffalo, and possible returns to Calgary and Toronto.

The former blueliner appeared in studio roles for TSN and has already coached prospects, including 2025 first-overall pick Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders.

Although Griodano's new position is unknown for now, it will likely place him alongside other recently retired Leafs who have joined the development side.

Kyle Clifford announced his retirement earlier this summer and became a development coach, while Jake Muzzin already holds a role in the department.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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