Gardiner is a bit underrated. A lot of leaf fans think the grass is always greener on the other side. All D men make mistakes. I think Gardiner has gotten a lot better the last 2 seasons, despite a few glaring mistakes. He is what he is. A decent second pair LHD.
The issue is not what he's worth, or what team will sign him on July 1, the issue is our depth at LHD. And, for that matter, most teams depth at LHD.
Ideally I'd prefer to keep him, but it is inevitable that he is either traded, or he walks. Dermott is very good, and continues to get better. He may be scary good in a few years.
Personally I'd sell him before the deadline for a young forward, preferably a winger that can play in the bottom 6. Someone with upside, but a cheap contract, or on their ELC. We desperately need upgrades from Brown, Leivo, Johnsson, Linholm, Gauthier, etc. It's just an abyss of mediocrity down there.
I would love someone like Daniel Sprong from Pitt. Could be the perfect 3rd line Rw.
And he can easily move up and down the order. Could probably be the top line RW on some nights, and he's just getting better.
Because Gardiner is a rental, we'd have to add. But I think it's worth it.
Gardiner + for Sprong.
Not that Pittsburgh desperately needs another D man, but it's this type of deal I think would be ideal for the leafs.
You aren't getting an upgrade on D by trading Gardiner.
So I'd trade nylander for RHD, and Gardiner for his replacement essentially.