The problem is that Jake's value is at an all time low.
Not that many years ago we were all raving about Jake Gardiner and how well he moved the puck and saw the ice. The kid will be 25 years old this summer. We may as well keep him, and let the new/newish coaching staff work with him and see if he can be turned into anything. Players develop at a different rate, and he's still young. As a fan base that wants management to be patient with young players, perhaps we should try the same?
I say we be patient with him and see how things turn out. If he continues to be a complete disaster it's not like we're contending for a Cup.
Good point. While I'm becoming increasingly pessimistic with Gardiner, his value is pretty low right now. Combine that with his contract and the return may not be great - unless there is a team that's still willing to pay for his potential and offer the Leafs a good deal. I'm sure there are a few teams out there that would so I'd be listening for sure.
Given that other members of the core (Bozak, Lupul, Kessel, Phaneuf) are likely to be moved in the off-season the Leafs won't be in any kind of cap crunch going forward so there isn't a pressing need to deal Gardiner from that perspective.
I think if we look at Franson at how his value was perceived towards the end of last season because he had an awful year .. But he was retained and he turn his play around, increased his value where the Leafs got a good return on him this year.