Gardiner is one of the top UFA’s left in the pool. It’s very surprising, and a little weird. His back was an issue last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but I don’t think that’s the reason for the holdup.
It all stems down to one person, and that’s Mitch Marner.
What’s the Holdup?
If Marner was already signed, Gardiner and Kyle Dubas would see the amount of cap space left. Essentially, they would both know whether or not he fits into the plan. And, it’s a big decision for Gardiner too.