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Maple Leafs Share Mark Giordano Update Amid Return to Franchise

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Oct 9, 2025 1:15 PM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially brought Mark Giordano back into the organization, announcing his official role on Wednesday.

The veteran defenseman will serve as a "coaching advisor" with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies after general manager Brad Treliving already mentioned in September that the team was finalizing a role for the former blueliner.

“We’ll have an announcement there,” Treliving said back then. “Mark will be joining the group here primarily on the Marlies side.”

The 42-year-old, who has been around the Leafs and Marlies since development camp in July, now takes on a formal position mentoring Toronto’s next wave of defensemen and prospects.

The Maple Leafs announced the following additions to its hockey operations department:

Steven Reinprecht and Eric Lacroix have joined the organization as Pro Scouts.

Mikael Kotkaniemi has joined the organization as a European Amateur Scout.

Mark Giordano has joined the Toronto…
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) October 8, 2025

Giordano played 1,148 NHL games across 18 seasons with the Calgary Flames, Seattle Kraken, and Maple Leafs, recording 158 goals and 419 assists for 577 points.

He captained the Flames for eight years, was the first captain in Kraken history, and closed his playing career in his hometown of Toronto, where he spent two and a half years after arriving via mid-season trade in 2022.

A former Norris Trophy winner, Giordano's leadership and defensive awareness made him one of the most respected figures in the NHL during his career, and that should remain the same in his new developmental role.

Former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mark Giordano (55) during a stoppage in play.Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Leafs also announced three other hires to their hockey operations department. Former NHL forwards Steve Reinprecht and Eric Lacroix joined the organization as pro scouts, while Finnish coach Mikael Kotkaniemi has been added as a European amateur scout.

Giordano’s transition to coaching comes after a season away from any formal role within the hockey world. His connection to Treliving, who previously managed him in Calgary, most likely came into play when it came to his addition to the franchise's brass.

The Marlies open their AHL season Saturday night against the Laval Rocket at Coca-Cola Coliseum.

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

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