Despite the reputation, Jake Gardiner has quietly become the Leafs best defenseman. In fact, he’s always been good – he’s just been an undeserved whipping boy for a restless fan-base.
Acquired from the Ducks along with Joffrey Lupul back in 2012, Gardiner’s high-risk high-reward style has given the impression of a defenseman bad at defense, but it’s never been true. Now, he’s having his best season to date.
Jake Gardiner’s Rep
In the four or so years I’ve been writing hockey blogs, I’ve taken more heat for my support of Jake Gardiner than anything else. The problem has always been that the numbers don’t match the reputation.