So Jake Gardiner is a Carolina Hurricane. If you’re a fan of the team, you may not have seen him play much but you certainly know the name and you’ve checked the stats. Here’s a breakdown of Gardiner and my analysis of his contract.
Regardless of his shortcomings, $4M per year for Gardiner– especially while only committing for four years– is an excellent deal. I fully expected his deal to be something closer to Tyler Myers’ 5-year deal around $6M per season, even this late in the summer.
There will always be Maple Leaf fans who have watched Gardiner for the better part of the last decade and refuse to acknowledge any positives he brings. Don’t get me wrong, Jake Gardiner can be a frustrating player to watch. His tendency for turnovers or being too soft on the puck can leave fans with their head in their hands.
But Gardiner has come a long way in the last few years and his lapses have become fewer and farther between. In fact, this season of the five Maple Leaf defensemen who averaged at least 20 minutes per game, Gardiner had the least turnovers per game. Compare this to the 2017-18 season or the 2016-17 season, where Gardiner led all Leafs skaters in turnovers and it was a season of major improvement for Gardiner.
Offensively, Gardiner makes up for his shortcomings in his own end. In the last three years, he’s a top-25 defenseman in the league points-wise. His ability to move the puck is excellent, he can be used on the power play and he’s great for zone entries and exits. When it comes to a defenseman producing offense, Gardiner is top-notch.
The signing also gives Carolina the ability to make a trade. Perhaps now, Justin Faulk, with just one year remaining on his contract, could be moved to add a bit of help up front and solidify the Hurricanes as a legitimate contender. With four capable right-shot defenders, the opportunity is there to make a move and with the Hurricanes currently over the salary cap, one may have to be made regardless.
With Jake Gardiner, you really have a mixed bag. But at $4M per year, without committing for too long, this is a great addition for the Hurricanes.
Carolina Hurricanes Blogger • 
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