Apr 3, 2012; Buffalo, NY, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) during the game against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Sabres beat the Leafs 6-5 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Jake Gardiner has finally been freed. Well at least that’s what his agent would probably say. The Toronto Maple Leafs called up Gardiner on Tuesday and then sent Korbinian Holzer down to the Toronto Marlies to make room.

This move was long overdue as it has become clear that the 22-year-old defenseman is having his way with AHL opponents. Gardiner has tallied 10 goals and 31 points in 43 games with the Marlies this season. He started the NHL campaign on injured reserve after suffering a concussion with the Marlies during the lockout. Gardiner played just two games with the Leafs before being sent back down.

Holzer’s play this season could best be described as inconsistent. He had some flashes of brilliance early on, but lately he has looked over-matched on a regular basis. In 22 games this year Holzer had two goals and an assist, with a minus-12 rating. Some time with the Marlies will do him well.

Bringing Gardiner up now can hopefully help the team snap this five game losing streak. His skating ability should hopefully infuse some energy into a group that has desperately needed it at times during this rough patch.

February 19, 2013; Tampa FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Cory Conacher (89) attempted to defends Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Korbinian Holzer (55) during the first period at Tampa Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Tuesday that they have signed defenseman Korbinian Holzer to a two-year contract extension. The deal will keep Holzer in Toronto through the 2014-15 season.

The 25-year-old’s contract is worth $1.575M and Holzer will get $725,000 in the first year and then take home $850,000 in the second. The native of Germany was taken in the fourth round (111th overall) by the Maple Leafs back in the 2006 NHL Draft.

Holzer has been a pleasant surprise for Toronto this season. After spending the majority of the last two and a half years down with the Toronto Marlies, head coach Randy Carlyle has given Holzer an opportunity to play plenty of minutes with the Leafs in 2013. He has skated in 16 games on the campaign and registered two goals, while posting 19 penalty minutes.