According to Elliotte Friedman on 31 Thoughts, the Hurricanes are shopping the ex-Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman, begging the question: should the Leafs bring him back?
Gardiner has three more years after this one at $4.05 million, but he also holds a modified no trade clause. And whether the Toronto Maple Leafs are on it or not is a mystery.
Although his points aren’t showing it, he’s still having a great year with the Hurricanes. The 29-year-old is on pace to have the best Corsi For % at even strength of his entire career. Gardiner has extremely strong shot-attempt, shots, scoring chances and high-danger scoring chance percentages.