Leafs Sign Jake Gardiner (5 years, 4.05M AAV)

[AvroArrow]

In the 22 games he played that season he had 336:49 of EV ice-time. 229:17 (almost 70%) of that was spent with Phaneuf. He had about 58 minutes with Liles, 23 with Gunnarsson, 17 with Fraser, and 7 with Kostka. So I'd still say it's not really fair to judge him based on that 22-game sample where he was mostly playing way over his head.

I stand by my statement.  In the time I saw him in a lesser role and in camps, I don't think I saw anything that was even remotely positive or impressive about him.

As for the skill thing, sure that's not what he's known for. But if that's your argument for not wanting him up I sure hope you don't propose Granberg takes his place.

Huh?  Did you think I said or meant 'offensive skill'?  I don't see any hockey skill in him.  Offensive, defensive, whatever.  I saw no upside in his game for the NHL level.

Granberg (from what I've seen so far, which is limited) has excellent positioning and can read plays like nobodies business.

If Holzer is our #7 and somebody gets injured, I would want a call-up to get a start over Holzer.


I'm not saying I'm the be-all/end-all of seeing potential/upside or whatever - this is all just my opinion - but I see people penciling him in as the #7 or even #6 after a Franson trade and I just don't see why.  He's already 26.  Sure, dmen mature slower, but still...

 

[AvroArrow]

He has been one of the best dmen if not the best dman with the Marlies for four years (ignoring some who may have been down there for a bit and then promoted like Gardiner).

After four years, at age 26, it may well be time to stick a fork in his chances at the NHL. But he's not a bad guy to have for depth. And if nothing else changes, he might be the best they've got for the 7th dman spot. Because of how well he's played for the Marlies, it's hard for me to totally discount him.

I understand what you're saying, but I've seen enough AHL "all-stars" who couldn't hack it in the NHL, so this doesn't temper my disappointment in Holzer.  He's had his chances but hasn't stuck or been successful.

 

[bustaheims]

The "Whole team" had the problem. He was part of the team so he was part of the problem.

The world isn't that black and white. Just because the team as a whole had that problem doesn't mean every member of the team did or that they all contributed to it. Some guys - like Gardiner - are part of the solution.

 

[AvroArrow]

And with Gardiner, he's great at moving the puck out of the zone with possession and gaining the opposition's zone with possession - and getting shots on net.

He's Kaberle-esque at his ability to skate the puck out of trouble.  It's borderline amazing, sometimes, how he moves.  I'm psych'd we have this guy locked up for 5 years.  I just hope he doesn't get got-my-contract-already-don't-need-to-try syndrome.

 

[Redleaf]

And with Gardiner, he's great at moving the puck out of the zone with possession and gaining the opposition's zone with possession - and getting shots on net.

He's Kaberle-esque at his ability to skate the puck out of trouble.  It's borderline amazing, sometimes, how he moves.  I'm psych'd we have this guy locked up for 5 years.  I just hope he doesn't get got-my-contract-already-don't-need-to-try syndrome.

I think that's the syndrome management is worried Kadri will fall into....

Btw...great signing.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

And with Gardiner, he's great at moving the puck out of the zone with possession and gaining the opposition's zone with possession - and getting shots on net.

He's Kaberle-esque at his ability to skate the puck out of trouble.  It's borderline amazing, sometimes, how he moves.  I'm psych'd we have this guy locked up for 5 years.  I just hope he doesn't get got-my-contract-already-don't-need-to-try syndrome.

Hopefully he gets got-my-contract-want-bigger-contract-when-upcoming-UFA syndrome.

 

[Redleaf]

And with Gardiner, he's great at moving the puck out of the zone with possession and gaining the opposition's zone with possession - and getting shots on net.

He's Kaberle-esque at his ability to skate the puck out of trouble.  It's borderline amazing, sometimes, how he moves.  I'm psych'd we have this guy locked up for 5 years.  I just hope he doesn't get got-my-contract-already-don't-need-to-try syndrome.

Hopefully he gets got-my-contract-want-bigger-contract-when-upcoming-UFA syndrome.

Or...my contract is my security, but I want to work hard so I can have great NHL career and help bring home the cup.

 

[igloo]

Easily the best move of the off season.  Won't help the Leafs for this coming season per say.  The Leafs will probably not make the playoffs again this year, but we have this amazing D-man for 5 years.  Very very happy about that. 

 

[Highlander]

Disagree, I think we will make the playoffs and will kill, I think we have the right mix of guys..some real chemistry and I hope to see that develop as we all do.

 

[Coco-puffs]

I agree with cw, I think there is a trade coming on the back end. I think Franson is the obvious guy and we need a 2nd round pick next year, as unless the player coming back is young and talented, I'd rather take a pick and promote Granberg or Percy or whoever shines in camp.

I think that we underestimate just how much Carlyle likes Franson. He averaged about as much EV-ice time last season as Gunnarsson, and was +20 minutes overall. It looks like the Leafs want to use the lefties on the left and righties on the right this season, so I actually wouldn't be totally surprised if Franson ends up on the top pairing with Phaneuf next season.

* Shudders at the thought *  The combination of those two back there is too SLOW.  Out of the right-handed defensemen we have on the roster, Polak is probably the best skater.  The best "balance" would probably come from:

Phaneuf - Polak
Gardiner - Franson
Reilly - Robidas

PK:
Phaneuf - Polak
Robidas - Franson

PP:
Phaneuf - Reilly
Gardiner - Franson

Not that anyone should be particularly happy with the above   I'd much rather have Gardiner or Reilly beside Phaneuf logging the heaviest minutes 5 on 5.  That will probably only happen if we move Franson though.

Just saw a segment from TH where Steve Simmons suggested the TEAM is thinking the following (ie, not his opinion, but what he's heard):

Phaneuf - Polak
Gardiner - Robidas
Reilly - Franson

If this was Simmons opinion, I'd puke that I came up with something so similar. 

I have to say, if Robidas can play up to the level he played to before his broken leg, then I'd definitely rather have him with Gardiner than Franson.  Jury is out on Robidas full recovery from a second broken leg last season though.

 

[Redleaf]

I agree with cw, I think there is a trade coming on the back end. I think Franson is the obvious guy and we need a 2nd round pick next year, as unless the player coming back is young and talented, I'd rather take a pick and promote Granberg or Percy or whoever shines in camp.

I think that we underestimate just how much Carlyle likes Franson. He averaged about as much EV-ice time last season as Gunnarsson, and was +20 minutes overall. It looks like the Leafs want to use the lefties on the left and righties on the right this season, so I actually wouldn't be totally surprised if Franson ends up on the top pairing with Phaneuf next season.

* Shudders at the thought *  The combination of those two back there is too SLOW.  Out of the right-handed defensemen we have on the roster, Polak is probably the best skater.  The best "balance" would probably come from:

Phaneuf - Polak
Gardiner - Franson
Reilly - Robidas

PK:
Phaneuf - Polak
Robidas - Franson

PP:
Phaneuf - Reilly
Gardiner - Franson

Not that anyone should be particularly happy with the above   I'd much rather have Gardiner or Reilly beside Phaneuf logging the heaviest minutes 5 on 5.  That will probably only happen if we move Franson though.

Just saw a segment from TH where Steve Simmons suggested the TEAM is thinking the following (ie, not his opinion, but what he's heard):

Phaneuf - Polak
Gardiner - Robidas
Reilly - Franson

If this was Simmons opinion, I'd puke that I came up with something so similar. 

I have to say, if Robidas can play up to the level he played to before his broken leg, then I'd definitely rather have him with Gardiner than Franson.  Jury is out on Robidas full recovery from a second broken leg last season though.

I'd have rather they signed Boyle myself. They could have skipped signing Kontiola, and used his money on getting Boyle instead of Robidas.

 

[Coco-puffs]

I agree with cw, I think there is a trade coming on the back end. I think Franson is the obvious guy and we need a 2nd round pick next year, as unless the player coming back is young and talented, I'd rather take a pick and promote Granberg or Percy or whoever shines in camp.

I think that we underestimate just how much Carlyle likes Franson. He averaged about as much EV-ice time last season as Gunnarsson, and was +20 minutes overall. It looks like the Leafs want to use the lefties on the left and righties on the right this season, so I actually wouldn't be totally surprised if Franson ends up on the top pairing with Phaneuf next season.

* Shudders at the thought *  The combination of those two back there is too SLOW.  Out of the right-handed defensemen we have on the roster, Polak is probably the best skater.  The best "balance" would probably come from:

Phaneuf - Polak
Gardiner - Franson
Reilly - Robidas

PK:
Phaneuf - Polak
Robidas - Franson

PP:
Phaneuf - Reilly
Gardiner - Franson

Not that anyone should be particularly happy with the above   I'd much rather have Gardiner or Reilly beside Phaneuf logging the heaviest minutes 5 on 5.  That will probably only happen if we move Franson though.

Just saw a segment from TH where Steve Simmons suggested the TEAM is thinking the following (ie, not his opinion, but what he's heard):

Phaneuf - Polak
Gardiner - Robidas
Reilly - Franson

If this was Simmons opinion, I'd puke that I came up with something so similar. 

I have to say, if Robidas can play up to the level he played to before his broken leg, then I'd definitely rather have him with Gardiner than Franson.  Jury is out on Robidas full recovery from a second broken leg last season though.

I'd have rather they signed Boyle myself. They could have skipped signing Kontiola, and used his money on getting Boyle instead of Robidas.

I'm pretty sure Leafs management wanted to do that as well.  Boyle wanted to sign in NY and that's all there was too it.

 

[hockeyfan1]

Gardiner happy to remain a Leaf and play under Carlyle:

http://www.nhl.com/ice/m_news.htm?id=727447

 

[freer]

Gardiner happy to remain a Leaf and play under Carlyle:

http://www.nhl.com/ice/m_news.htm?id=727447

Too be honest, no player who has signed a large contract extensions with a team is going to bad mouth the current coach to the press. Just saying

 

[moon111]

"He is a coach that likes to push his players and get the most out of them," Gardiner told the Toronto Star on Wednesday. "I think that was what he was doing with me.
Translation: I have no idea why he's such an !@#hole.
"I have a lot more potential than what I've been doing. I think [his approach was] good for me. It will help me down the road."
Translation: He really didn't use me right.  Not sure what he was doing, but it didn't help me last year.

 

[Zee]

Hope this means the Leafs have made their decision and Gardiner outlasts Carlyle

 

[2badknees]

If not for Carlyle, Gardiner wouldn't have gotten this contract.

 

[losveratos]

If not for Carlyle, Gardiner wouldn't have gotten this contract.

That's just an improvable, unbelievable, mess of an opinion. But good luck arguing for that one. I'd love to watch it crash and burn horribly.

 

[L K]

If not for Carlyle, Gardiner wouldn't have gotten this contract.

On the basis of?  Him playing him?  I haven't seen any quotes from anyone praising Carlyle on his ability to foster the talents of the young team he has in front of him.

 

[Highlander]

Lets face it, Carlyle is  puppet this year, they fired his best buddy and brought in two coachs either whom can replace him on a moments notice if need be on a interim basis.
He gets this year and an extension which means he gets a year off on Leaf pay when Babcock takes over next year.