For the life of me, I can't understand why his name keep popping up in trade rumours. Yes, I understand he sometimes makes a defensive gaff. But tell me is he anymore prone to defensive gaffs than Phanuef, Gunnerson, Ranger and Franson, all of whom I'd be afraid to carry the puck 10 feet unless they were on a power play. Gleason to his credit doesn't try to carry the puck.
In last year's 7 game series against the Bruins, Gardiner was the best defenceman for the Leafs, he was all over the ice, and proved to be a real handful for the Bruins. In this year's collapse, he may have made a few gaffs but he has also been consistently trying to make things happen - I see no quit in him. Gardiner needs someone dependable to play with, not Franson and probably not Phaneuf. He also need to put a bit more weight, but other than that, I think some structural system changes and best supporting cast will do him wonders. I think the Leafs would be absolutely nuts to trade him at this stage. When they finally do start making the playoffs, they will need players like this to make a difference. To score or set up a key goal when the game is on the line. I think he's cut down on errors from earlier in the year and he's certainly been no worse than the team's veterans who generate little or no offence.
In last year's 7 game series against the Bruins, Gardiner was the best defenceman for the Leafs, he was all over the ice, and proved to be a real handful for the Bruins. In this year's collapse, he may have made a few gaffs but he has also been consistently trying to make things happen - I see no quit in him. Gardiner needs someone dependable to play with, not Franson and probably not Phaneuf. He also need to put a bit more weight, but other than that, I think some structural system changes and best supporting cast will do him wonders. I think the Leafs would be absolutely nuts to trade him at this stage. When they finally do start making the playoffs, they will need players like this to make a difference. To score or set up a key goal when the game is on the line. I think he's cut down on errors from earlier in the year and he's certainly been no worse than the team's veterans who generate little or no offence.