Mark Giordano, Flames Agree to New Contract: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

The Calgary Flames announced Tuesday they reached an agreement with defenseman Mark Giordano on a six-year contract extension.  

The new deal will carry an annual average value of $6.75 million, meaning the team's captain will earn $40.5 million, per Chris Johnston of Sportsnet.

“I do think Mark Giordano on the open market can make more than what Mark Giordano signed for here with us," Flames general manager Brad Treliving said, per Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun. ”He was very cognizant of his team here and making sure we give ourselves the best chance moving forward to have success.”

Giordano is one of the best two-way blueliners in the NHL. He's scored 245 points in 510 career regular-season games while playing a physical brand of defense in his own zone, which has helped him accumulate a plus-38 rating across nine seasons.

The 31-year-old defender, who went undrafted in 2003, has been particularly good over the past two seasons. He's racked up 25 goals and 70 assists in 125 games, making him an invaluable asset for the Flames at both ends of the ice.

Keeping him in the fold gives the team a solid foundation on the blue line for a long time, as highlighted by Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Sun:

Calgary had little choice but to lock him up long term with free agency looming after next season. Given his recent production, he comes at an extremely reasonable price with his average value ranking in a tie for 35th in the league, according to Spotrac.

Giordano doesn't get nearly enough credit or attention for his success, but the Flames clearly understand his value and rewarded him with a new contract that will keep him with the organization deep into his career.