After missing the entire 2022 season after receiving hip and back surgery, Jake Gardiner has been medically cleared to return to the game of hockey. With the 31-year-old now an option again after he was kept out all season, the Hurricanes organization has to decide what they are going to do with the former 17th overall pick by the Anaheim Ducks. Do they leave him on the roster? Do they move him to clear cap space?
Gardiner has been one of the forgotten Hurricanes this season, and that makes a lot of sense. He spent the year rehabbing in his native Minnesota so he’s been away from the team and you know what they say.