Jake Gardiner’s time as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs had all but officially come to a close. Or so we thought.
Having tallied 82 points in 144 games – an average of 47 per 82 – over the last two seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, many expected the 29-year-old defenseman to cash in big on the open market. And in short order.
Yet here we are nearly two months into free agency and Gardiner remains unsigned. This has led to speculation Gardiner has a handshake agreement in place with a team and is just waiting to sign or, even more interestingly, is still hoping to return to the Maple Leafs.
Lance Hornby added a little fuel to the latter’s fire in a recent article for The Toronto Sun. Excerpt below.
"Waiting to see what unfolds is UFA defenceman Gardiner, yet to sign elsewhere in the hopes the Leafs find more extra cash, but at this stage that would mean trading a set roster piece."
It’s not hard to believe the team would have interest in bringing Gardiner back. GM Kyle Dubas is a big fan and head coach Mike Babcock has openly praised, and defended, Gardiner in the media more times than I can count.
For all the talk about a rift, or continuous disagreements between the two, this is a case where they’re no doubt on the same page.
Jake Gardiner and the Toronto Maple Leafs
Even those more pessimistic than the consensus about the Maple Leafs’ 2019-20 outlook would admit they are a top-10 or even top-5 contender for the Stanley Cup. Finding a way to keep Gardiner in the mix would certainly solidify them as such.
It’s also worth noting Travis Dermott is dealing with an injury, and Cody Ceci simply isn’t good, so as currently constructed the Maple Leafs might only have three top-4 caliber defenders to start the year. Gardiner’s return would push that number to four.
Both sides seem to have real interest in a reunion. That’s the good news. The bad news is there is that pesky salary cap, which didn’t rise as much as hoped or expected, in the way.
What money the Maple Leafs *do* have available isn’t really available. Despite all the Switzerland rumors, that money is going to Mitch Marner; whether it be in two days, two weeks, or two months.
Even if Gardiner accepts less than he’s worth and signs a team-friendly deal, Dubas would still have to clear a considerable chunk of salary – Cody Ceci? – to make room.
Dubas has shown he’s as creative as any GM so that may just be in the cards. When there’s a will, there’s a way. And there just might be a will.