What is Jake Gardiner??

[DatSnipeMatthews]

Jake Gardiner has got to be the most polarizing player the Leafs have ever had. To me, he's a borderline #2 D whereas a lot see him as an average second pairing D.

Also, would you move on from him or re-sign him to an extension this off-season?

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[rent free]

I don't know how people can see him as a 2D. He makes a lot of mistakes with the puck. He's a broderline 4D

 

[ACC1224]

Isn't he signed for next year?

 

[MattySnipes]

Isn't he signed for next year?

Yup. Next year is his contract year.

 

[DatSnipeMatthews]

I don't know how people can see him as a 2D. He makes a lot of mistakes with the puck. He's a broderline 4D

I'd consider Zaitsev a borderline #4 and he makes way more mistakes. Chipping it off the glass and out only to give it to the other team all the time is much worse than making the pass up the ice that often keeps possession but sometimes results in a turnover.

 

[tom leafers]

Jake Gardiner is mind boggling. He can be so good, but at the same time be terrible. When we first acquired him, wasnt there a rumor we were going to try him at forward or something?

 

[Slyfox]

Easily a #2 and bordering on a #1. He's been the Leafs #1 the past 25 or so games and carrying the anchor that is Zaitsev and still doing well.

 

[CantLoseWithMatthews]

the talent and value of a top pairing guy when he's on, but the consistency isn't really there. I'd call him a #3

 

[thewave]

#2 with flashes of #1

 

[thewave]

I don't know how people can see him as a 2D. He makes a lot of mistakes with the puck. He's a broderline 4D

Borderline 4D? You're crazy. He is a #2 for sure.

Tied for 7th in the League for points by a defender.

 

[DatSnipeMatthews]

I'd also re-sign him long term for 5-6 million a year.

 

[Slyfox]

I don't know how people can see him as a 2D. He makes a lot of mistakes with the puck. He's a broderline 4D

You make more mistakes when you control the puck more.

 

[ACC1224]

Yup. Next year is his contract year.

Then UFA?

 

[MattySnipes]

Agree with @CantLoseWithMatthews

He is a #3

Gardiner is very polarizing like many have mentioned. When he's on he is arguably a #1 or #2 - see recent stretch where he's accumulated over 20 points, hitting on all his stretch passes, his vision (close to PPG if not over). Consistency has always been his issue. Due to this he is a second pairing defenseman.

 

[weems]

I'd say a great #3 that can play like a #1 for stretchs but also play like a #6 for stretchs.

I was once a hater whos grown to appreciate the things he brings to the table.

 

[Buds17]

He's a good 2nd pairing D on a contender. Nothing wrong with him, but think our depth and needs elsewhere on the roster are what allow us to not re-sign him and potentially even move him this off-season.

 

[MattySnipes]

Then UFA?

Yes sir.

 

[ACC1224]

I don't know how people can see him as a 2D. He makes a lot of mistakes with the puck. He's a broderline 4D

I'm sure most would agree that you don't know.

 

[ACC1224]

Yes sir.

Then he'll have a say in this as well.

 

[thewave]

Agree with @CantLoseWithMatthews

He is a #3

Gardiner is very polarizing like many have mentioned. When he's on he is arguably a #1 or #2 - see recent stretch where he's accumulated over 20 points, hitting on all his stretch passes, his vision (close to PPG if not over). Consistency has always been his issue. Due to this he is a second pairing defenseman.

He is a lot better without the Zaitsev anchor. That guy better figure his crap out fast because he is just horrible bad. Not Polak bad, it's an exaggeration but he should be playing our 3rd pairing the way he is.

 

[JayDog17]

You guys are nuts. He is a bottom pair PP specialist D-man on a SUCCESSFUL team. Way too inconsistent be relied upon in your top 4 for more than spot duty. Unfortunately, we don't have the right manpower to slot him properly currently.

 

[thewave]

You guys are nuts. He is a bottom pair PP specialist D-man on a SUCCESSFUL team. Way too inconsistent be relied upon in your top 4 for more than spot duty. Unfortunately, we don't have the right manpower to slot him properly currently.

You and @DarkKnight with this 3rd pairing narrative. Nothing of his stats or eye test suggest this. How the heck do you get Jake as a 3rd pairing guy is crazy.

 

[CantLoseWithMatthews]

I don't know how people can see him as a 2D. He makes a lot of mistakes with the puck. He's a broderline 4D

he's 5th in points among defensemen since january 1st while playing mostly responsibly in his own end. when he's on he's fantastic

 

[rent free]

Borderline 4D? You're crazy. He is a #2 for sure.

Tied for 7th in the League for points by a defender.

He's not a #2

 

[rent free]

I'd consider Zaitsev a borderline #4 and he makes way more mistakes. Chipping it off the glass and out only to give it to the other team all the time is much worse than making the pass up the ice that often keeps possession but sometimes results in a turnover.

Fair. I was probably too harsh in my judgement.