Giordano comes home to chase elusive Cup

SPORTSCENTRE Reporter

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The Maple Leafs held a media availability with newly-acquired players Mark Giordano and Colin Blackwell on Sunday. 

Mark Giordano lists Toronto's run to the 1993 Western Conference Final as his favourite memory growing up as a Leafs fan. 

"I really thought that they were going to get to the Cup that year against the Montreal Canadiens, but Wayne Gretzky spoiled those plans," Giordano said in a Zoom call with reporters. 

Now, Giordano gets his chance to help his hometown team get over the hump. 

"It means a lot," the 38-year-old defenceman said. "It's funny, you know, I turned pro and got into Calgary and you sort of hope the Leafs don't win because you're jealous of your hometown team winning the Cup. Now that I'm able to get back to Toronto and be a part of it, it's a great opportunity for myself to be a part of something special." The Leafs acquired Giordano and forward Colin Blackwell from the Seattle Kraken on Sunday in exchange for a second-round selection in the 2022 NHL draft, a second-round selection in 2023 and a third-round selection in 2024. As part of the trade, Seattle retained 50 per cent of Giordano's contract. "I had a great experience in Seattle," said Giordano, who was the franchise's first captain. "I want to make sure I mention how great the organization treated me right to the end. I had a great relationship with [general manager Ron Francis] and he knew I was from Toronto and this would be a great fit. For him to put me in a spot like this means a lot."  Toronto scored 12 goals in a pair of recent wins over the Kraken, which gave Giordano a taste of what his new team is capable of.  "You can see the skill on the team is right up there with anyone in the