Just how good is Jake Gardiner?
- Thread starter phillycheesesteak
- Start date
You know what's funny about the "meh" guys? If Gardiner is so whatever why does he name constantly come up in trade rumours, either teams asking or the big piece to get a center, etc? It's because he isn't an average talent, he's desirable because he of his somewhat unique skillset.
desperateblue
Registered User
- Jun 17, 2004
- 957
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I think he has all the tools to be an elite pmd.
He reminds me alot of brian leetch except he may be faster and if im half right then we are definately in for a treat.
Once he and reilly are the cornerstones of our d i think our pp will be unstoppable.
He reminds me alot of brian leetch except he may be faster and if im half right then we are definately in for a treat.
Once he and reilly are the cornerstones of our d i think our pp will be unstoppable.
BodaciousBeefBazooka
Go Leafs Go
BIitz
GRANT = SOFT
- Oct 5, 2010
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I don't understand your first comment. Who's opinion here means jack in terms of how the Leafs treat him? Probably no ones. Second, why is my opinion wrong? You did nothing to prove it. People can watch that game and have varied opinions.
Finally, his talent isn't "off the charts", it's really what you'd expect out of a guy that plays his type of game.
Sundinisagod
****
I'd say he's got the talent to be a top 10 defenseman in the league.
Think he busts out with a 45 point season this year.
Think he busts out with a 45 point season this year.
Diatomic
Mitch Matthewlander
Gardiner peak?
#1 Elite defensemen, 4 time Norris Trophy winner, Conn Smythe Winner, 3x Stanley Cup Champion, 2x Olympic Gold Medalist and Hall of Famer.
In reality, great #2D that can put up 50points a season. Really love gards game. I wouldn't be surprised though if he wins a Norris down the line, if he gets #1 PP time and top 2 mins, added onto him being line-matched with the 1st line (Assuming Bozak's gone), he can get 65+Points
#1 Elite defensemen, 4 time Norris Trophy winner, Conn Smythe Winner, 3x Stanley Cup Champion, 2x Olympic Gold Medalist and Hall of Famer.
In reality, great #2D that can put up 50points a season. Really love gards game. I wouldn't be surprised though if he wins a Norris down the line, if he gets #1 PP time and top 2 mins, added onto him being line-matched with the 1st line (Assuming Bozak's gone), he can get 65+Points
As long as he doesn't get injured, he'll be a solid NHLer for years. All-star for sure, but he'll need to show the same type of decision making he did in the playoffs and not the regular season. Tools are all there.
He struggled defensively before his concussion. He is a young, great skating PMD. The other poster is right. They hype over him is way over the top. He played sheltered minutes and sometimes looks lost in his own end and doesn't pick up the player he should.
Doesn't mean he can't get better, but it also doesn't mean he is up for the Norris either.
You mean a highly skilled game, which speaks to talent? Your comment is nonsensical.
Duffman955
Registered User
- Mar 4, 2010
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wendelclark17
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- Sep 13, 2007
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My opinion (and I really stress that on this forum) is that he is developing into a Duncan Keith. Though he has the potential to be even better.
Leaf Rocket
Leaf Fan Till I Die
Still think he has the potential to be a good number 2 but not a number 1 which people are talking about.
BertCorbeau
F*ck cancer - RIP Fugu and Buffaloed
Well played sir
BIitz
GRANT = SOFT
- Oct 5, 2010
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What? He isn't as talented as Karlsson who I classify as an "off the chart talent". He's really no different than: Shattenkirk, Voynov, Yandle, Schultz, Campbell, in terms of talent.
I wouldn't classify any of those guys as off the chart talents.
Eternal Leaf
Registered User
The things he was doing on the ice in the playoffs were brilliant.
I'm not sure if people remember a play in one of the games, where he bounced the puck off the boards to get around an incoming forward. I thought he was caught out, but he found a way to get past under pressure.
I really hope this is the kind of player we have in him. Someone who makes opponents look silly and just lets his creativity flow.
Will he be a Norris trophy winner? Probably not. BUT, he is special.
I'm not sure if people remember a play in one of the games, where he bounced the puck off the boards to get around an incoming forward. I thought he was caught out, but he found a way to get past under pressure.
I really hope this is the kind of player we have in him. Someone who makes opponents look silly and just lets his creativity flow.
Will he be a Norris trophy winner? Probably not. BUT, he is special.
7even
Offered and lost
JAMmer124
Independent Living
Agreed.
Gardiner can carry a pairing, but not the first pairing. Being in that Shattenkirk/Voynov role is perfect for Jake. Carry the second pairing behind a true #1 defenceman (Pietrangelo and Doughty respectively). Maybe Rielly develops into that #1 role to carry the top pairing, if not Phaneuf is a suitable guy for it as well, and Gardiner has the second pairing that is "his".
Kurtz
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- Jul 17, 2005
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I would say that it's equally arrogant to suggest that he'll never be in the consideration. With Lidstrom retiring, and Chara getting up there in age, the discussion for Norris is more open that ever. Hell, I wager that if someone suggested to you that PK Subban would win a Norris a year ago, you'd answer them with laughter.
BIitz
GRANT = SOFT
- Oct 5, 2010
- 14,014
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Thank you. I can't see Gards carrying the top pairing. We should be happy if he turns into a Shattenkirk or Voynov cause they're damn good players.
I just feel the expectations are starting to get a little ridiculous.
He was amazing in the playoffs, if that was any indication of his future play next season and beyond then he is going to become an elite player. I know he's going to have his down games but for the most part if he plays up to his potential like he did in the playoffs then I wouldn't be surprised if he can reach 50+ points while becoming a PP QB.
Now before others come in and rip apart my opinion and others on here...I'm not saying he's going to win the Norris.
Now before others come in and rip apart my opinion and others on here...I'm not saying he's going to win the Norris.
Leaf Rocket
Leaf Fan Till I Die
Agreed, he might help someone be in the top pair as a number 2 but not a number 1 for sure that many are claiming. Until he proves he can do that, I'm not pegging him a number 1 D.
