Jake Gardiner has long been one of the most controversial players in the NHL, and that fact hasn’t changed since the long-time Toronto Maple Leaf became a member of the Carolina Hurricanes.
Upon arriving in Carolina via free agency in early September, Gardiner was expected to be the power play quarterback that the Hurricanes so desperately needed after getting trounced out of the postseason by the Boston Bruins. A training camp injury and a Norris candidate Dougie Hamilton later, Gardiner suddenly isn’t needed for that purpose.