Leafs w/o Gardiner

I don't understand the anti Gardiner sentiment. Certainly it doesn't make the Leafs stronger next year with two rookies starting on defence. Gee there isn't much/any NHL depth with the Marlies. If anything I wouldn't sign JVR and use the money for short term help on defence,

I truly believe it does. Gardiner heavily lacks the defensive hockey IQ to be able to play with many of the other players we have on this team. I could see him fitting with a guy like Hainsey, but he won't be moved from Rielly. This rids ourself of our largest defensive liability, and allows us to inject two young high potential options that will surely be fighting for a spot next year.

I'd be much happier with this defensive core than playing Gardiner with Zaitsev again and forcing one of Dermott or Liljegren into the press box.

1st Gardiner doesn't lack defensive IQ quite the opposite actually. His problem is sometimes when he gets flustered he acts like the puck is radiation and tosses it away. If he can settle his game down and play consistently to his potential he'd be a top guy in the league.

2nd That is TREMENDOUSLY undervaluing Gardiner.

3rd Leafs won't call up players just to sit in the press box. Especially not if they don't have to go through waivers. Waivers was the only reason guys like Holland and Corrado were on the team as long as they were.

Have you seen Gardiner's numbers? They're fantastic. Just because he throws a grenade every once in a while doesn't mean he's a bad player. On average he is actually one of the best 2nd pairing guys in the entire NHL.