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Toronto Maple Leafs 2018-19 Player Grades

By James Tanner

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 07: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs reacts to the crowd after the Leafs scored against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on October 7, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 07: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs reacts to the crowd after the Leafs scored against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on October 7, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 21: Toronto Maple Leafs Defenceman Jake Gardiner (51) in warmups prior to the regular season NHL game between the Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs on February 21, 2019 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON. (Photo by Gerry Angus/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 21: Toronto Maple Leafs Defenceman Jake Gardiner (51) in warmups prior to the regular season NHL game between the Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs on February 21, 2019 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON. (Photo by Gerry Angus/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Jake Gardiner by Nick Barden

Jake Gardiner gets an A-.

There’s ‘A’ reason why Jake Gardiner’s grade is so high, and that’s because he could’ve had another career year, if not for being injured.

Some fans have never figured out that Gardiner is actually a defenseman that will be missed when and if he leaves after this season.

This season he only totaled 2 goals less than last season, but it’s not just that. His CF% and PDO were higher than last season as well. Even though his injury hurt the chances of him putting up numbers, he was still making the best out of it.

A-. . D. Toronto Maple Leafs. JAKE GARDINER

Gardiner is going to be a coveted defenseman that I’m sure tons of teams will want, and of course the Leafs will be one of the teams lining up knocking. He deserves every penny he makes on this next contract.

The reason why he’s getting an A- isn’t just because of his season in terms of stats. Gardiner will be missed a lot in this city and in this organization. He’s been loyal and it sucks that he’s been the lightning rod for casual fans to complain about for so long. The A- is also for his hard work, playing with a bad injury, and trying to help his team and city win a Stanley Cup, and that’s the most we can ask for.

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