Gardiner's exploits existed long, long before Zaitsev and Oz joined the Leafs.

This isn't a new revelation with Jake.

Another player who just needed a better partner was Cody Franson. And he's finally getting that in Omsk.
- walshyleafsfan

I agree.
Gardiner has pros and of course very glaring cons, but the leafs without him right now would be a worse team. We need to get to a point where we can be better without him and that's what Dubby has to do before next season, because for better or worse, they will be without him.
- UsernameUnknown

pretty much sums it up.

I don't think the Leafs really contend unless Sandin and Liljegren both pan out so we have competent and inexpensive Dmen for a couple years.

How does 3 years from now sound?

pretty much sums it up.

I don't think the Leafs really contend unless Sandin and Liljegren both pan out so we have competent and inexpensive Dmen for a couple years.

How does 3 years from now sound?
- Aetherial

19 sounds much better

pretty much sums it up.

I don't think the Leafs really contend unless Sandin and Liljegren both pan out so we have competent and inexpensive Dmen for a couple years.

How does 3 years from now sound?
- Aetherial

Are we back to comrade UG's 5 year plan?

Stats prove a lot.

Z gets pelted in every single category without Gardiner. What your eyes don't tell you is the fact Z can't make a breakout pass....at all. Why? Because he throws the puck to Gardiner any chance he can get. So you actually never see Z make a breakout pass.
- Santo_44

I saw plenty of decent passes (and shots) frpm Zaitsev in his rookie season. I'm willing to give him a bit more rope and see what next year brings (about 300 games) before completing losing faith in him, as I did with Jake.

What I can't accept is watching Jake on his 8th year (7th if we're bring nice) making the same mistakes, the same lackadaisical play on the ice, the constant allowing the forechecker to arrive at the puck first even when he has multiple strides on said forechecker and trying to nick it away with his stick to no avail; and the constant decision making of passing the puck to a player a split second too late as the opposition player has turned his body to be able to close down whoever is receiving the pass.

The difference in Rielly and Gardiner with regards to knowing when to pass it (especially on the PP) is astounding. It's only a split second, but it makes all the difference in the world to the resulting play.

I just need to hold on a few more months and most of my stress watching games will be alleviated.

All probably die laughing at this comic post before
- Garnie

Leaf fans are so much fun

Are we back to comrade UG's 5 year plan?
- TrashPanda

The current 5 year plan has failed after 2 years.

We need to start a new 5 year plan. That means trading all our assets with contracts less than 5 years, at the deadline for picks and prospects.

pretty much sums it up.

I don't think the Leafs really contend unless Sandin and Liljegren both pan out so we have competent and inexpensive Dmen for a couple years.

How does 3 years from now sound?
- Aetherial

I think the Leafs can only really go for it when Lillybust, Sandin and to a lesser extent Bracco, Brooks and Grundstrom are on the team and Marleau is off the books

Gardiner will look good next to Weber next year

The current 5 year plan has failed after 2 years.

We need to start a new 5 year plan. That means trading all our assets with contracts less than 5 years, at the deadline for picks and prospects.
- Aetherial

you forgot to add overpriced contracts and cap dumps... need lots of those.

I saw plenty of decent passes (and shots) frpm Zaitsev in his rookie season. I'm willing to give him a bit more rope and see what next year brings (about 300 games) before completing losing faith in him, as I did with Jake.

What I can't accept is watching Jake on his 8th year (7th if we're bring nice) making the same mistakes, the same lackadaisical play on the ice, the constant allowing the forechecker to arrive at the puck first even when he has multiple strides on said forechecker and trying to nick it away with his stick to no avail; and the constant decision making of passing the puck to a player a split second too late as the opposition player has turned his body to be able to close down whoever is receiving the pass.

The difference in Rielly and Gardiner with regards to knowing when to pass it (especially on the PP) is astounding. It's only a split second, but it makes all the difference in the world to the resulting play.

I just need to hold on a few more months and most of my stress watching games will be alleviated.
- walshyleafsfan

Gardiner comes with his gaffs. It is what makes him a really good 2nd pairing D over a 1st pairing D.

He has been playing in the number 2 spot the majority of his career here due to management failing to acquire help for him. He isn't fit for that role. When he is on the ice he drives play and limits chances overall.

But if he's matched up against the top line every night playing with Nikita Zaitzev he is going to get burned.

Gardiner will look good next to Weber next year
- Symba007

(frank) yes. Now we're talking. Make it happen.

I think the Leafs can only really go for it when Lillybust, Sandin and to a lesser extent Bracco, Brooks and Grundstrom are on the team and Marleau is off the books
- walshyleafsfan

Yeah when Hyman, Kadri, Rielly and Andersen need new contracts?

Gardiner will look good next to Weber next year
- Symba007

Habs moving Weber to Pheonix?

(frank) yes. Now we're talking. Make it happen.
- walshyleafsfan

#FreeJakeGardiner

Gardiner will look good next to Weber next year
- Symba007

Promise me that will happen.. I demand a guarantee..

Gardiner comes with his gaffs. It is what makes him a really good 2nd pairing D over a 1st pairing D.

He has been playing in the number 2 spot the majority of his career here due to management failing to acquire help for him. He isn't fit for that role. When he is on the ice he drives play and limits chances overall.

But if he's matched up against the top line every night playing with Nikita Zaitzev he is going to get burned.
- Santo_44

For sure, but again, this has gone on a lot longer than since Zaitsev has been with the organization.

Jake Gardiner hasn't just become mistake prone since the beginning of the 2017 season

#FreeJakeGardiner
- Symba007

Or at least #3rdRoundDraftPick4JakeGardiner

For sure, but again, this has gone on a lot longer than since Zaitsev has been with the organization.

Jake Gardiner hasn't just become mistake prone since the beginning of the 2017 season
- walshyleafsfan

Gardiner should feel comfortable knowing that after playing 530+ NHL games, his mistakes are all Zaitsev's fault

For sure, but again, this has gone on a lot longer than since Zaitsev has been with the organization.

Jake Gardiner hasn't just become mistake prone since the beginning of the 2017 season
- walshyleafsfan

He comes with his mistakes.

It is why he is a second pairing D and not a 1st.

Yeah when Hyman, Kadri, Rielly and Andersen need new contracts?
- Santo_44

Yes

Gardiner should feel comfortable knowing that after playing 530+ NHL games, his mistakes are all Zaitsev's fault
- PatC80

I never said that.

I did say that when he is with Zaitzev he lets in more goals, scoring chances, shots, high danger scoring chances as well as producing less scoring chances, less shots, less goals, less high danger scoring chances....which you don't have to be a math wizard to realize that you will win way less games if that happens.

He comes with his mistakes.

It is why he is a second pairing D and not a 1st.
- Santo_44

You're coming around.

Yesterday they were "the odd mistake" and "every now and then". Now they're just "mistakes".

Yes
- walshyleafsfan

Yeah I don't agree.

All of them will get hefty raises. And that is with the Matthews, Marner, JT, Nylander contracts. and Lil/Sandin won't be too far after them.

#FreeJakeGardiner
- Symba007

he's going to have a tough time next practice ... all those puddles from the tears...


tough to skate and handle the puck...