Jim Playfair comments on Giordano (And the history of finding him)

[Geeoff]

Originally Posted by 1stLand

It's pretty obvious what Playfair thinks about Iginlas leadership skills.

I am Glad we have Giordano

Why are we discussing the Colorado Avalanche?

[Erick Estrada]

The way things worked out with him going to Russia just worked out in the end but I recall being pretty disappointed that Sutter wouldn't offer him more than a 2 year contract as the guy looked better than some of the regular blueliners Darryl had assembled. In the end Giordano is fortunate that he received an opportunity to play professionally from the Flames and the Flames are equally fortunate that Gio came back from Russia with no hard feelings.

[Hackey]

It really is amazing what Gio has become. Legitimately one of the top dmen in the league. I really hope he is still at the top of his game when we are ready to contend. Gio will be a beast in the playoffs.

[Sylvanfan]

If you are not supremely impressed with how Giordano has performed over the past couple of season's than there simply is no pleasing you. I thought last year looked like a real potential outlier for Giordano in terms of offensive production. But thus far he's putting last year's production to shame. Right now he wouldn't be battling with others for the final spots on a Team Canada Olympic team, they would have to have him clearly slotted in to be in the top 6.

I was somewhat amused a couple weeks back when the two dufus' on TSN1260 in Edmonton were talking about how Jordan Eberle would be a much more productive player on the Flames because they have Giordano and Brodie to get him the puck. The same guys who were laughing at the Flames all offseason for being the worst hockey team they could ever imagine being assembled.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

Brent Sutter said Giordano was his captain for the last season he was coach.

Gelinas says Giordano is the best leader he's been around.

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

I'm just saying, many people regarded Iginla as a terrific captain.

I think it says a lot that many of the people connected to the organization during their time would single out Giordano as being better.

If Iginla was a good captain, Giordano must be a great captain.

The evidence on the ice would seem to suggest as much.

Was Iginla the only captain Gelinas mentioned?

[Table 5]

The only thing disappointing about Giordano is his age. If only things could've come together for him 5 years earlier, we'd be in a pretty fantastic position. I have a feeling that by the time all our younger guys mature enough to do some serious damage, he won't be the same guy anymore.

[GioforPM]

Maybe he'll be one of those Dmen who plays at a high level for a long time until he is done. He seems like the type.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Maybe he'll be one of those Dmen who plays at a high level for a long time until he is done. He seems like the type.

I don't know, he isn't afraid to throw his body around, and that can catch up to you.

I am trying to think of d-men that played physical and played well into their later years.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

I don't know, he isn't afraid to throw his body around, and that can catch up to you.

I am trying to think of d-men that played physical and played well into their later years.

He hits, but it's generally smart hitting, if that makes sense.

Bourque played 1600+ games and he wasn't too shy. Stevens played 16--+ and he threw his body around a bit

[Sylvanfan]

Originally Posted by Table 5

The only thing disappointing about Giordano is his age. If only things could've come together for him 5 years earlier, we'd be in a pretty fantastic position. I have a feeling that by the time all our younger guys mature enough to do some serious damage, he won't be the same guy anymore.

Maybe, but keep in mind that guys like Scott Niedermayer, Brian Rafalski and many other defenceman enjoyed highly productive years after they turned 30.

I know the sentiment on this site at times feels like any player over the age of 25 should be stuffed in a coffin and buried deep into the Earth. But without an experienced guy like Giordano to lead and mentor this group, would some of these other guys get to the level they could by getting to play with him.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

Another thread where I'll post: Could we have not asked for a better captain?

Andrew Ference is the captain of the Edmonton Oilers... think about that for a minute, then offer votives to the hockey gods.

[Mike F]

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

Brent Sutter said Giordano was his captain for the last season he was coach.

Gelinas says Giordano is the best leader he's been around.

Why can't that be a testament to Gio instead of a slam at Iginla?

For years, everyone in the league called Iginla the greatest captain in the league and the face of the Flames franchise, but I don't remember that resulting in a lot of chatter about how it must be an implied shot at MacInnis, McDonald, etc.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

Andrew Ference is the captain of the Edmonton Oilers... think about that for a minute, then offer votives to the hockey gods.

Andrew Ference has a cup ring. Therefore he is better.

[Igottago]

Going from Iginla to Giordano should be celebrated by fans.

The excuses people need to start Iggy bashing is beyond ridiculous. Best player in franchise history and people still want to take shots at the guy.

Giordano has become a better player than I think anyone could've imagined, we are lucky to have him. He's going to be intstrumental in making this team a strong competitor again in the next few seasons. Great story.

[RM14]

What's his trade value these days?

[badger89]

How was Gio not drafted? It's not like he didn't have good numbers in Jr.

Owen Sound
2002/03 18-30-48
2003/04 14-35-49

[N-E-B]

I'm ashamed to admit that a year ago I was mad Glencross wasn't the captian...

Good thing I wasn't in charge of picking who wears the C!

[JiriHrdina]

I think Richie Regehr would have turned into a solid player as well - but injuries de-railed him. I fully admit that when I saw him and Gio on the ice - I like Richie better.
Yet another example of things I was really wrong about.

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by badger89

How was Gio not drafted? It's not like he didn't have good numbers in Jr.

Owen Sound
2002/03 18-30-48
2003/04 14-35-49

He's somewhat undersized.

It doesn't matter now, but it may have then.

[Hemi-Cuda]

Originally Posted by Table 5

The only thing disappointing about Giordano is his age. If only things could've come together for him 5 years earlier, we'd be in a pretty fantastic position. I have a feeling that by the time all our younger guys mature enough to do some serious damage, he won't be the same guy anymore.

He's only 31, and a d-man. They always mature slower and enter their prime years later than forwards, Gio is just now entering his prime. No reason to think he can't have another 8 or 9 years of solid productivity, plenty of time for our young core to develop and become a real threat in the league