Toronto Maple Leafs: Jake Gardiner extension talks set to start soon
By Paul Taylor
The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly preparing to start contract extension negotiations with Jake Gardiner within the next few weeks.
In theory, William Nylander‘s contract situation is the main priority for the Toronto Maple Leafs. And yet, management is already preparing to start other negotiations, at least according to TSN’s Darren Dreger.
Dreger reports that the Leafs are planning to begin discussing an extension with Jake Gardiner in the next few weeks. The defenseman is set to become an unrestricted free agent following the conclusion of the 2018-19 season.
Whether the Buds are actually successful in agreeing a new contract with Gardiner, is another matter entirely. Dreger believes it will take an annual offer in the high $6 million or low $7 million range, in order to secure the blue-liner’s services.
However, this may not be possible, given the Leafs’ salary cap situation. Combine this with the need to re-sign Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner — while also resolving the Nylander situation — and doubts start to emerge about Gardiner’s future in Toronto.
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Critics will likely argue the 28-year-old isn’t worth a considerable raise anyway. For example, last season he had the third-most giveaways in the NHL, with a career-high 105.
This flaw was highlighted for all to see, during Game 7 of the first round playoff series versus the Boston Bruins. Gardiner recorded two giveaways, repeatedly fumbled the puck and overall made poor decisions.
On the flip side, the 2008 17th overall draft pick was fantastic as an offensive asset during the 2017-18 campaign. He set career highs for assists (47) and overall points (52), while once more proving his durability by appearing in all 82 regular season games.
Overall, in an ideal world the Leafs would prefer to keep Gardiner, who is firmly entrenched in the team’s top two pairings. Coach Mike Babcock himself recently said he looks forward to him remaining in Toronto for a long time to come.
Again though, the salary cap situation will help dictate the chances of keeping the Minneapolis, Minnesota native past this coming season. With this in mind, it is conceivable the Buds could attempt to trade Gardiner in the coming months, if negotiations are unsuccessful; stay tuned…
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How do you predict contract negotiations with Gardiner will pan out? Will he sign an extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs, or be playing elsewhere next season? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.