News Article: Gardiner update looking positive

[ShaneFalco]

Mirtle Mailbag: The coach-GM feud (?), a Jake Gardiner...

Q1. How likely is it that Jake Gardiner has played his last game as a Leaf?

Q1B. Do you envision Jake Gardiner returning to the Leafs defence in the playoffs if he is not entirely healthy? Does he owe anything to us as fans of the organization when he is only months away from becoming a UFA and has been mocked by his own fan base?

I have good news on that front.
My column earlier this week was a bit doom and gloom, but Jake Gardiner has made progress over the last several days. He has been on the ice on his own and is working out with team trainers. Back injuries are unpredictable, but it does appear he’ll be able to play at some point soon-ish.
Now, there are only two weeks and eight games left in the regular season, so time is of the essence if he’s going to get back into game shape before the playoffs. His last game action was Feb. 25, nearly a full month ago, and we’ve seen how layoffs have affected Matthews, Nylander and others this season.

Working in Toronto’s favour is the fact that, due to building availability, it appears the Leafs won’t start the postseason in Boston until April 11. Their last game of the year is April 6 in Montreal.
That’s four full days off in-between that will buy Gardiner some extra recovery and practice time.
As for the second part of the question… I don’t believe Gardiner is thinking about this in terms of his pending free agency or how some fans booed him or anything like that. He wants to play. He’s invested in this team and its success. After eight years with the Leafs, he wants to slay the dragon and beat the Bruins.
Given his latest progress, it now looks like he’ll get that chance.

Click to read more...

 

[SprDaVE]

Very good news.

 

[Zybalto]

 

[ACC1224]

Doom and Gloom is more entertaining......boooooooooooo

 

[Nizdizzle]

 

[taurine330]

Yes. Sounds good.

 

[zeke]

Muzzin-Rielly
Gardiner-Dermott
Hainsey-zaitsev

just try it, coach, just try it.

 

[Burnie97]

Good news... we need him and Dermott ... a lot.

Never thought I'd say it... but brain farts and all... we need Gardiner in.

He most likely leaves in the summer. . And hopefully dermott plays a bigger role for us next year...along with Rosen playing. . And possibly Lilly, and Sandin.

For Gardiners sake I hope he plays really well in the Boston series and slays those demons.

 

[La Masse]

Good sign. Even if people dislike him, he makes us a better team no doubt

 

[Buds17]

Would be great - if not necessary - to have all options available going into any playoff series. Here's hoping.

 

[Budsfan]

 

[zeke]

It is pretty delicious that all the Leafs fans complaining we don't have enough size and toughness on the back end are now forced to accept that losing the skilled dmen is a much bigger problem, even when you replace them with guys that are 6'5".

 

[tom leafers]

It is pretty delicious that all the Leafs fans complaining we don't have enough size and toughness on the back end are now forced to accept that losing the skilled dmen is a much bigger problem, even when you replace them with guys that are 6'5".

Zeke what the hell change you profile picture back. I dont like change

 

[Warden of the North]

Doom and Gloom is more entertaining......boooooooooooo

I mean, theres about 14 other threads at any given time on the Leafs board where doom and gloom is present.

Hell, you could go to any GDT or PGT and theres someone proclaiming we sucked, still suck, and will always suck.

 

[zeke]

Zeke what the hell change you profile picture back. I dont like change

 

[thewave]

Doom and Gloom is more entertaining......boooooooooooo

Be happy you may get another chance to boo him.

 

[justafan22]

Dermott's still in a red jersey, probably a week away at least.

I'd give Gardiner 2 games the last week if he's healthy enough

 

[ACC1224]

It is pretty delicious that all the Leafs fans complaining we don't have enough size and toughness on the back end are now forced to accept that losing the skilled dmen is a much bigger problem, even when you replace them with guys that are 6'5".

There are those that didn't think losing two top 4 defensemen would be a problem?

 

[zeke]

There are those that didn't think losing two top 4 defensemen would be a problem?

definitely many who think we'd be better off with big slow dmen instead of Gardiner.

many.

 

[Warden of the North]

definitely many who think we'd be better off with big slow dmen instead of Gardiner.

many.

Imagine if we had ADAM "THE BEST GUD PRO" MCQUAID? We'd never lose again.

 

[tom leafers]

i tried to find the picture of Dubas rubbings his eyes from a couple games ago to respond. couldnt find it

 

[ACC1224]

definitely many who think we'd be better off with big slow dmen instead of Gardiner.

many.

Must be comments by those I don't bother reading.
I wouldn't put any stock in those thoughts.

 

[HamiltonNHL]

My prediction will come true. They both come back together

 

[Loosie]

Dermott in red means non-contact so he's staying out for the full practice. Gardiner in black means he'll leave before practice starts. Both are positive signs.

 

[Fogelhund]

Kristen Shilton‏Verified account @kristen_shilton 6m6 minutes ago
More
More bodies returning for #Leafs as Frederik Gauthier (foot) comes out for practice, Gauthier missed the team's last two games.

All three of our injured guys are back on the ice today... that's a great sign.

 

[Gary Nylund]

Good sign. Even if people dislike him, he makes us a better team no doubt

People are idiots.

I don't know how to express how happy this news makes me, I really thought Jake was done for the year. I figured Dermott would be back anyway and if Jake can play again, even if he's at like 90% or something and the rest of our team is at full health, I like our chances against Boston a whole helluvalot better.

Amazing news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!