Polarizing former Leaf ready to return after missing an entire season

As many Leafs fans will remember, Jake Gardiner, along with Joffrey Lupul, were originally acquired through a trade with the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defensemen Francois Beauchemin. The 2008 first round pick (17th overall) began his career in Toronto with so much promise. He produced 30 points (7 goals & 23 assists) in his rookie season as a 21-year-old. He would go on to play parts of eight seasons with the buds.

Gardiner had his best statistical year in 2018, producing 52 points (5 goals & 47 assists) in 82 games. However, by this point in his career, Gardiner had developed a reputation as a player who would make poor defensive decisions. As a young player, many felt he would grow out of it. But as he aged and the defensive glitches remained, it became clear it was a part of who he is as a player.

The holes in his defensive game were on full display during game seven of the playoffs that season against Boston when the blueliner was a minus five. As a result of his performance, Gardiner took much of the heat from the media and fan base for the loss. Even though Gardiner had one year left on his contract and played it out here in Toronto, it was clear his time with the Leafs was coming to an end.

The now 32-year-old native of Minnesota has played 645 NHL regular season games, tallying 277 points (49 goals & 228 assists). Gardiner now has a chance to re-establish himself in the NHL with a very good Carolina Hurricanes team. And while he will never be a defensive juggernaut, perhaps, if he can stay healthy, he can contribute offensively in a sheltered third pairing role.