Jake Gardiner getting scratched
- Thread starter Jonzo
- Start date
Coderaspberry
New member
Jonzo said:
As opposed to Franson? IMO Franson's been solid.
Gardiner has great skill and has been pretty heady for a rookie, but I'm betting he heads to the Marlies soon - he's shown signs of wearing down a bit. Perfectly understandable considering the schedule he's been used to, but probably of no benefit to him or the Leafs to force the issue.
ZBBM
Active member
It's not a choice between Franson and Gardiner. It's a choice between Gardiner and Aulie, now that Komisarek is back. And Aulie has been good.
I too think Gardiner could use a stint in the AHL with orders to work exclusively in his defense. He looks promising but he needs seasoning on his own side of things.
I too think Gardiner could use a stint in the AHL with orders to work exclusively in his defense. He looks promising but he needs seasoning on his own side of things.
Hmm, I don't agree. While Gardiner may not have as many points as Franson in more games, he makes things happen. When he's on the ice, the puck usually gets in the zone with a Leafs possession. I think he provides more value overall, not necessarily tangibles like goals/assists.
crazyperfectdevil
New member
i think that gardiner has had an exceptional rookie season .but I also agree he's been looking a little tired...i imagine that's what wilson is seeing as well..as others have pointed out ..it's not unusual for a rookie to have trouble putting in a whole season..it's definitely a grind...aulie's just looked to have a bit more jump lately ...and he makes the team a bit more physical
L K
Active member
Jonzo said:
The Leafs score more with Gardiner off the ice at Even Strength than they do with him on it, they also proportionally score more goals than they give up with Gardiner off the ice than they do when he is on the ice.
The Leafs score 0.44 more goals per game when Franson is on the ice than with Gardiner. Also proportionally both players leave the ice 1.9% less in the offensive zone than they start and the difference in puck possession amounts to about 3 percent in terms of plays finishing in the defensive zone. Gardiner really doesn't have all that much of a better puck possession game than Frason and his numbers were actually trending downward.
Long-term, Gardiner should be good, but he needs to work on his defensive game so that he can be a better contributor on both sides of the ice.
bustaheims
Active member
L K said:
That's the way I see it as well. It wouldn't surprise me if he's the one sent to the Marlies when Liles is good to go.
Optimus Reimer
New member
I would try to trade Komisarek. Some teams are in desperate need of blue line help and the Leafs could get something decent for him.
Highlander
Active member
When the season began I thought Franson was the second coming of Komi but he has become a rock and feathered the pass to Kulimen for his score last night. I think he is one of our best. Gardiner is going to be great but one more season with max playing time with the Marlies would be the best for him now. Hopefully we can unload Komi and then he can come back.
Mikhail Bloodnovsky
New member
Zee said:
Yeah if you gonna alter the current D is to make room for Liles.
Corn Flake
New member
I think sending him down makes the most sense for asset management and getting everyone ice time without causing any potential issues with scratching Franson again or one of the veterans.
If there is another injury or a trade he can come back up just as quickly as he was sent down.
If there is another injury or a trade he can come back up just as quickly as he was sent down.
crazyperfectdevil
New member
Saint Nik said:
yeah..they are a little slower..though I do think schenn ..when on his game.. makes up for his lack of speed a little with his good passes out of the defensive zone
LuncheonMeat
New member
Zee said:caveman said:
Brilliant bit of work there! ;D
My prediction: Gardiner sits in the box for a few - he has a chance to watch some games up top with some coaching (think of what you would learn watching Lidstrom from the box). He also gives his body a rest and gets ready for the second half of the season.
At the same time the Leafs showcase possible trade chips on defence before completing a deal later this month. Post-deal, Gardiner returns to his smooth-skating, puck-clearing ways as the Leafs make their push for the playoffs with their shiny new trade acquisition, -insert name here-.