This makes me laugh bc before this season a leaf fan posted a thread that Gardner was better than John Carlson. Haha ohh some people

Gardiner is worse than a house league extra defenseman, no chance he’s anywhere near Carlson

Yeah obviously but he’s gone next year so nbd right

Him and Zaitsev need to go

That would free up 9 million

Maybe they can spend it on a real defenseman

The Leafs will try to resign Gardiner. Which isnt likely going to be possible. Hes a very valuable player and will attract lots of offers on the UFA market. All the experts are saying 7mill with term. However having watched every Leaf game that Gardiner has played i completely understand the fustration with his game. With that being said 50+pt dmen dont hit the market everyday. Zaitsev is a 3 million dollar hockey player who is making 4.5 mill. He is also a decent dman. He belongs in the NHL the only issue is his contract. People just need to be realistic when evaluating players a keep emotion out of it. Especially leaf fans

I honestly 100% agree. Getting rid of Gardiner will boost our chances. Watching him stand still with the puck is gross. He is always a step behind and loses the puck every time he is behind the net.