For all the improvement the Toronto Maple Leafs showed this season, it became clear that the club is at least two big pieces away from legitimately contending for a Stanley Cup.
James Reimer did all that he could to erase doubts that he is capable of carrying the load in goal, so now the most notable omission from the championship blueprint is a top line centreman.
It has been proven time and again that in the salary cap era it is becoming more and more difficult to acquire a player of that calibre. Realistically, you need to draft them yourself, which is made difficult when you don’t pick until the 21st position of the entry draft.
This is where Jake Gardiner comes into play for Dave Nonis and the Maple Leafs. He is perhaps the club’s most coveted prospect, along with the new and improved Nazem Kadri, and may be able to score the kind of return the Leafs should be seeking.
As good as he is or may become, Jake Gardiner is quickly becoming redundant within the organization amid the continued development of Morgan Rielly and the emergence of Cody Franson as a legitimate point producer.
Within a system run by Leafs coach Randy Carlyle, it wouldn’t appear that there is room enough for all three of them in addition to Captain Dion Phaneuf, whose game involves a certain amount of risk and reward as well.
For as little as he played with the big club during the regular season, injuries thrust Gardiner into the spotlight during the first round of the playoffs, where he carried a good portion of the load for Toronto.
These factors working together suggest that now is the time to “Free Jake Gardiner” in the hopes of landing a future franchise centre.
The problem with this, as stated previously, is most team’s reluctance to trade such valuable pieces of their core. If a trade were to be discussed with the Colorado Avalanche for example, Nonis should not be willing to accept anything less than Matt Duchene in return for a package including Gardiner. Problem is, they would likely be more interested in trading Paul Stastny and his $6.6 million contract.
This leaves Nonis with one other option. He could trade up in the draft and select his own franchise centre.
Taking a quick glance at the draft positioning, the Calgary Flames and the sixth overall selection stick out. They are at the very beginning of a rebuild in Cow Town, whether they want to admit it or not. That being the case, Jake Gardiner and perhaps a player like Joe Colborne in addition to Toronto’s own first round pick is enough to get Jay Feaster interested in relinquishing the pick to the Leafs.
At that point in the draft, it is a very safe assumption that the likes of Seth Jones, Nathan MacKinnon, Jonathan Drouin and Sasha Barkov will all be off the board. Late riser Valeri Nichushkin may sneak into that group as well after his recent vow to head West in the Fall.
That leaves one prospect that Nonis and the Leafs should be seriously interested in, Brampton native Sean Monahan. He is the 6’2” 193 pound Captain of the Ottawa 67’s that is renowned for his burgeoning offensive abilities, commitment to a 200 foot game and his leadership qualities. He’ll likely be the sixth player chosen in June, but in an ordinary draft year, he may have been a top three selection.
Monahan would likely be able to challenge for a roster spot with the Blue and White in the fall and would eventually form a legitimate one two punch up the middle for the Leafs with Nazem Kadri. He would also provide some much needed size to a relatively small group of centres in Toronto.
The biggest draw of going this route for the Buds is the fact that they truly aren’t ready to win yet, so drafting a future top line centre may make more sense, as it gives him time to develop his game to the point that he is ready to go when the club is a bona fide threat to contend.
Morgan Rielly may be ready to play sooner than later, perhaps as early as October of 2014, so if the Leafs are ever going to trade Jake Gardiner, now may be the best time to do it.
His play in the playoffs has presumably improved his value around the league, which was already relatively high. The only question is whether, in a draft such as this, a rebuilding team like Calgary would be open to trading their highest of three first round picks.
If the Leafs are prepared to serve up a player of Jake Gardiner’s ilk, it may just become a possibility.
Why can’t we see other comments?
Hi Bernie – Those were created when we were using Facebook comments. We’ve since switched back to our own system. I’ve tried importing the old ones but haven’t had much luck yet. I’ll work on that tonight.
Crazy idea! DO NOT trade Gardiner!
colborne gardiner and our 1st for the 6th spot? I’m hoping this guy is smokin the same crack as the toronto mayor or that’s a fuckin typo lmfao maybe hes trying to apply for the GM job in calgary n has to show how fuckin stupid of moves he would make before they would hire him or well I guess in this trade calgary would be the obvious winner lol but if nonis offered this proposed trade for a 6th rounder when its a draft it isn’t like your trading for a specific player id hope toronto fans would lynch him.
colborne gardiner and our 1st for the 6th spot? I’m hoping this guy is smokin the same crack as the toronto mayor or that’s a fuckin typo lmfao maybe hes trying to apply for the GM job in calgary n has to show how fuckin stupid of moves he would make before they would hire him or well I guess in this trade calgary would be the obvious winner lol but if nonis offered this proposed trade for a 6th rounder when its a draft it isn’t like your trading for a specific player id hope toronto fans would lynch him.
colborne gardiner and our 1st for the 6th spot? I’m hoping this guy is smokin the same crack as the toronto mayor or that’s a fuckin typo lmfao maybe hes trying to apply for the GM job in calgary n has to show how fuckin stupid of moves he would make before they would hire him or well I guess in this trade calgary would be the obvious winner lol but if nonis offered this proposed trade for a 6th rounder when its a draft it isn’t like your trading for a specific player id hope toronto fans would lynch him.
You build a team from the goalie out. Now that we have a goalie, you want to trade our best puck moving defenceman? Reilly is a couple of years from even making the team. We still have an opportunity this summer to make some moves to improve the center position, but you would have to have a knock your socks off player like Duchene to even think about trading Gardiner away. The deal for Calgary’s 6th is laughable to say the least. We may not even have Bozak back so trading Colbourne should not be one of your moves that puts you in a weaker bargaining position. Trading up is good but not with Gardiner. He will be a cornerstone defenceman for years to come. He’s only 22! If there was one player on the Leafs that should be untouchable, he is it!
You build a team from the goalie out. Now that we have a goalie, you want to trade our best puck moving defenceman? Reilly is a couple of years from even making the team. We still have an opportunity this summer to make some moves to improve the center position, but you would have to have a knock your socks off player like Duchene to even think about trading Gardiner away. The deal for Calgary’s 6th is laughable to say the least. We may not even have Bozak back so trading Colbourne should not be one of your moves that puts you in a weaker bargaining position. Trading up is good but not with Gardiner. He will be a cornerstone defenceman for years to come. He’s only 22! If there was one player on the Leafs that should be untouchable, he is it!
now that we have a goalie ? we’ve had him for awhile its just people didnt believe in him until just now lmfao
You build a team from the goalie out. Now that we have a goalie, you want to trade our best puck moving defenceman? Reilly is a couple of years from even making the team. We still have an opportunity this summer to make some moves to improve the center position, but you would have to have a knock your socks off player like Duchene to even think about trading Gardiner away. The deal for Calgary’s 6th is laughable to say the least. We may not even have Bozak back so trading Colbourne should not be one of your moves that puts you in a weaker bargaining position. Trading up is good but not with Gardiner. He will be a cornerstone defenceman for years to come. He’s only 22! If there was one player on the Leafs that should be untouchable, he is it!
You build a team from the goalie out. Now that we have a goalie, you want to trade our best puck moving defenceman? Reilly is a couple of years from even making the team. We still have an opportunity this summer to make some moves to improve the center position, but you would have to have a knock your socks off player like Duchene to even think about trading Gardiner away. The deal for Calgary’s 6th is laughable to say the least. We may not even have Bozak back so trading Colbourne should not be one of your moves that puts you in a weaker bargaining position. Trading up is good but not with Gardiner. He will be a cornerstone defenceman for years to come. He’s only 22! If there was one player on the Leafs that should be untouchable, he is it!
You build a team from the goalie out. Now that we have a goalie, you want to trade our best puck moving defenceman? Reilly is a couple of years from even making the team. We still have an opportunity this summer to make some moves to improve the center position, but you would have to have a knock your socks off player like Duchene to even think about trading Gardiner away. The deal for Calgary’s 6th is laughable to say the least. We may not even have Bozak back so trading Colbourne should not be one of your moves that puts you in a weaker bargaining position. Trading up is good but not with Gardiner. He will be a cornerstone defenceman for years to come. He’s only 22! If there was one player on the Leafs that should be untouchable, he is it!
now that we have a goalie ? we’ve had him for awhile its just people didnt believe in him until just now lmfao
You don’t just trade a young and very good puck-moving defenceman, regardless of whether they can fully realize their potential, plus one of our top prospects (albeit not an amazing one), AND our 1st rounder to move up what, 15ish spots on a draft pick that may never even be as good as either one of Gardiner OR Colborne?
No thanks. If you’re using Gardiner as trade bait, go big or go home. Moving up and not even being in the top 5 for the draft this year after that kind of sizable return is ludicrous.
You don’t just trade a young and very good puck-moving defenceman, regardless of whether they can fully realize their potential, plus one of our top prospects (albeit not an amazing one), AND our 1st rounder to move up what, 15ish spots on a draft pick that may never even be as good as either one of Gardiner OR Colborne?
No thanks. If you’re using Gardiner as trade bait, go big or go home. Moving up and not even being in the top 5 for the draft this year after that kind of sizable return is ludicrous.
You don’t just trade a young and very good puck-moving defenceman, regardless of whether they can fully realize their potential, plus one of our top prospects (albeit not an amazing one), AND our 1st rounder to move up what, 15ish spots on a draft pick that may never even be as good as either one of Gardiner OR Colborne?
No thanks. If you’re using Gardiner as trade bait, go big or go home. Moving up and not even being in the top 5 for the draft this year after that kind of sizable return is ludicrous.
Amazing how leafs fans were ready to run Gardiner and Kadri out of town 6 months ago. Jumpin the gun a lil.
For those thinking he’s undervaluing Gardiner, he said Nonis should accept no less than Duchene too. Contradicts himself a little later, but don’t act like he’s completely underselling Gardiner.
Amazing how leafs fans were ready to run Gardiner and Kadri out of town 6 months ago. Jumpin the gun a lil.
For those thinking he’s undervaluing Gardiner, he said Nonis should accept no less than Duchene too. Contradicts himself a little later, but don’t act like he’s completely underselling Gardiner.
I`ve always been a Gardiner and Kadri fan.. that calgary offer is seriously hilarious overpayment by the leafs
I`ve always been a Gardiner and Kadri fan.. that calgary offer is seriously hilarious overpayment by the leafs
I`ve always been a Gardiner and Kadri fan.. that calgary offer is seriously hilarious overpayment by the leafs
Lol Gardiner Colborne and the 21st for the 6th overall… TERRIBLE DEAL FOR TORONTO… I would have a tough time trading Gardiner straight up for that pick… The leafs offence is fine and their D is weak, so LETS TRADE ONE OF PUR BEST D.. Worst article ever, by far
Make so much sense… Toronto media at its finest.
I don’t think a lot of people realize the unbelievable skills this kid has.He can be very special not just good.Of course it remains to be seen if he will actually realize this potential but if he even comes close we have a star in the making.Teams look for talent like this and we’re going to trade him?…There’s room for him and Rielly and we don’t even know what we have with Rielly yet.I see Franson becoming more and more a two way defenceman as I hope Phaneuf will become…Two tough defensive defencemen added and our defence would be set for many years.There’s also some good prospects in junior and the marlies on the blueline so trades can happen down the road to strengthen the rest of the team.
Lol Gardiner Colborne and the 21st for the 6th overall… TERRIBLE DEAL FOR TORONTO… I would have a tough time trading Gardiner straight up for that pick… The leafs offence is fine and their D is weak, so LETS TRADE ONE OF PUR BEST D.. Worst article ever, by far
Unreal man unreal how stuipid people are
@[722964138:2048:Nathan Verburg] like seriously, we had a shit ton of goals last year but got dominated possession wise.. so OBVIOUSLY let`s trade our best possession player! BRILLIANT thinking LOL
I don’t think a lot of people realize the unbelievable skills this kid has.He can be very special not just good.Of course it remains to be seen if he will actually realize this potential but if he even comes close we have a star in the making.Teams look for talent like this and we’re going to trade him?…There’s room for him and Rielly and we don’t even know what we have with Rielly yet.I see Franson becoming more and more a two way defenceman as I hope Phaneuf will become…Two tough defensive defencemen added and our defence would be set for many years.There’s also some good prospects in junior and the marlies on the blueline so trades can happen down the road to strengthen the rest of the team.
Lol Gardiner Colborne and the 21st for the 6th overall… TERRIBLE DEAL FOR TORONTO… I would have a tough time trading Gardiner straight up for that pick… The leafs offence is fine and their D is weak, so LETS TRADE ONE OF PUR BEST D.. Worst article ever, by far
Make so much sense… Toronto media at its finest.
@[722964138:2048:Nathan Verburg] like seriously, we had a shit ton of goals last year but got dominated possession wise.. so OBVIOUSLY let`s trade our best possession player! BRILLIANT thinking LOL
Lol Gardiner Colborne and the 21st for the 6th overall… TERRIBLE DEAL FOR TORONTO… I would have a tough time trading Gardiner straight up for that pick… The leafs offence is fine and their D is weak, so LETS TRADE ONE OF PUR BEST D.. Worst article ever, by far
Unreal man unreal how stuipid people are
Make so much sense… Toronto media at its finest.
@[722964138:2048:Nathan Verburg] like seriously, we had a shit ton of goals last year but got dominated possession wise.. so OBVIOUSLY let`s trade our best possession player! BRILLIANT thinking LOL
I don’t think a lot of people realize the unbelievable skills this kid has.He can be very special not just good.Of course it remains to be seen if he will actually realize this potential but if he even comes close we have a star in the making.Teams look for talent like this and we’re going to trade him?…There’s room for him and Rielly and we don’t even know what we have with Rielly yet.I see Franson becoming more and more a two way defenceman as I hope Phaneuf will become…Two tough defensive defencemen added and our defence would be set for many years.There’s also some good prospects in junior and the marlies on the blueline so trades can happen down the road to strengthen the rest of the team.
WOW overvaluing a prospect much! Toronto would be lucky to get rid of Komisarek if they would include this kid.
Yea, Komi and his expiring contract of one year. Must be a tough pill to swallow in exchange for Gardiner. Undervaluing much?
WOW overvaluing a prospect much! Toronto would be lucky to get rid of Komisarek if they would include this kid.
Yea, Komi and his expiring contract of one year. Must be a tough pill to swallow in exchange for Gardiner. Undervaluing much?
Yea, Komi and his expiring contract of one year. Must be a tough pill to swallow in exchange for Gardiner. Undervaluing much?
Yea, Komi and his expiring contract of one year. Must be a tough pill to swallow in exchange for Gardiner. Undervaluing much?
Also, Gardiner isn’t considered a “prospect” anymore. He’s 22 years old, and has played 87 regular season games, 6 post-season. Once you’re a full-time NHL’er, I’m pretty sure the term “prospect” doesn’t apply.