Wasn't Giordano leaving as much about playing time as anything? It's a lot harder to crack the D side of the roster - most teams have at least 4 guys in ink and 1-2 guys in heavy pencil. That season:
Phaneuf
Regehr
Aucoin
Sarich
Warrener
Eriksson (signed as UFA that summer)
David Hale (acquired by trade the previous season)
The top 4 played 76+ games each; Warrener only managed 31 and it ended up being his last season. A top 6 role was anything but guaranteed for Gio.
Different kettle of fish for forwards; the last 4-5 spots (including press box) tend to be up for grabs.
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