Since he was acquired by the Maple Leafs at the 2021-22 NHL trade deadline, Toronto native Mark Giordano has provided an invaluable presence to a young team that needed veteran leadership.
But after 18 seasons in the NHL, the 39-year-old has been forced to adjust his style to the changing times – both on and off the ice.
On Friday, Giordano discussed how his style has evolved in an interview on Going Deep with Donnovan Bennett.
“Before … you weren’t allowed to wear anything but a suit and tie to the rink – that’s changed for sure,” said Giordano. “It gives the fans a chance to see guys express themselves and I think guys are doing a great job of it around the league.”
For much of his career, Giordano’s fashion style matched his playstyle; old-school and sharp without taking many risks.
While playing it safe has led to success – winning the Norris Trophy in 2019 – and longevity, as the game has changed so has the culture around it.
“As I’m getting older, I’m trying to expand my fashion and expand my wardrobe,” said the veteran blue-liner. “Being around all the young guys and the way the world is today – it’s evolving and changing – I’m trying to take more risks.”
Internal competition is always healthy for a title-contending team but competing with the bold game-day fits from players like Mitch Marner, William Nylander and Auston Matthews comes a little tougher for Giordano.
Though he’s been taking notes from the younger stars, Giordano’s passion for fashion stems from his Italian roots.
“In our culture, looking good and feeling good and dressing well is important,” said the son of two Italian immigrants. “Especially my mom, she took pride in it.”
Giordano has been one of the Leafs’ more pivotal defencemen this season, recording 10 points in 34 games while also being among the few blue-liners to have played in every game.
At 21-7-6, the motto for the 2022-23 Maple Leafs has certainly been ‘Look good, play good.’