Mark Giordano Joins Toronto Maple Leafs as Coaching Advisor
In a move that aligns with Mark Giordano’s longstanding connection to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the club has officially brought him on board as a coaching advisor for the Marlies, their AHL affiliate. The announcement, made on Wednesday, included multiple additions to the Leafs’ hockey operations staff, further bolstering the organization’s depth and expertise.
New Additions to the Hockey Operations Staff
Among the new hires are Steven Reinprecht and Eric Lacroix, who will serve as pro scouts, and Mikael Kotkaniemi, who takes on the role of European amateur scout.
Giordano’s Transition to Coaching
Giordano, the well-respected defenseman and Norris Trophy recipient, has been present with the Leafs’ programs since early July, frequently associated with the team during their development camp and the recent Prospect Showdown in Montreal. Although he has yet to announce his retirement from playing, his involvement suggests a transition into coaching.
The seasoned veteran played an integral part with the Maple Leafs over three partial seasons, amassing nine goals and 45 points across 144 games. Notably, he contributed significantly during Toronto’s first-round playoff victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2023. With a robust career spanning 1,148 games in the NHL, Giordano registered 158 goals and 419 assists, resulting in a total of 577 points while competing for teams like the Calgary Flames and Seattle Kraken.
Profiles of New Staff Members
Reinprecht, with experience in over 650 NHL matchups, has made a name for himself as both a player and coach, having most recently coached Düsseldorf EG in the DEL and serving as a development coach for the Avalanche. Lacroix, another former player with over 450 games under his belt, has held roles in the NHL front office, including a vice presidency with the Avalanche.
Kotkaniemi brings a wealth of coaching experience from Finland, having led teams at various levels, including the under-17 and under-18 national squads. He is also known for being the father of Carolina Hurricanes forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi.
Looking Ahead
This strategic hiring wave in Toronto reflects general manager Brad Treliving’s commitment to strengthening the organization as they approach the regular season, which is set to kick off against the Montreal Canadiens. Fans are eager to see how these new additions will influence the team’s performance going forward.
