Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Jake Gardiner is one of those rare players that fans usually either rally around or want to run out of town on the next train. Gardiner has tantalizing skill when he's at his best—or consistent brain cramps when he's at his worst.
The former first-round pick of the Anaheim Ducks is certainly talented enough to be a top-four NHL defender. In fact, paired with a reliable stay-at-home partner, he might even be a top-pairing defender in time. The key is "in time."
While it may seem like Gardiner is unlikely to improve further, Leafs fans should remain patient with the Minnetonka, Minnesota, native.