Franson, Kadri, Gardiner, Reimer ... still Leafs at the deadline?

[GhostofPotvin29]

Pretty quietly Kadri has 23 points in his last 25 games.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Pretty quietly Kadri has 23 points in his last 25 games.

On pace for 59 points. 26th among all centres in points. And just about all of the guys ahead of him are getting PP1 ice-time. Some of the guys listed ahead of him aren't actually playing centre right now but I'm sure there's a handful of guys not listed at C that are so that evens out.

You really can't ask for too much more from your 2nd line centre.

 

[Zee]

Pretty quietly Kadri has 23 points in his last 25 games.

Love how Kadri is developing.  Finally the Leafs have their own draft pick who's panning out to be a very good forward (and not traded away)

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Pretty quietly Kadri has 23 points in his last 25 games.

On pace for 59 points. 26th among all centres in points. And just about all of the guys ahead of him are getting PP1 ice-time. Some of the guys listed ahead of him aren't actually playing centre right now but I'm sure there's a handful of guys not listed at C that are so that evens out.

You really can't ask for too much more from your 2nd line centre.

Only Tavares and Duchene from his draft year have played significant time with a better PPG than Kadri.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

Gardiner has quietly moved into 11th in goals by defensemen.

 

[Bullfrog]

seven of them even-strength too.

 

[Zee]

Gardiner has quietly moved into 11th in goals by defensemen.

Yeah really liking Gardiner's offensive game the last little while.  If he can perform like that for long stretches the Leafs have something special.  Would be nice to see him carry this on into the playoffs (provided the team makes it)

 

[AvroArrow]

I really want to keep Gardiner.  I understand he has his defensive zone problems, but his offensive instincts and skating are pretty ridiculous.  He's the kind of guy you keep on your 3rd pairing playing sheltered 5-on-5 minutes, and unleash on the power play or when you're down late.

I've only caught pieces of the last few games, but Gardiner was all over ice creating chances when I watched.  A true all-in offensive weapon.

And if he can get his defensive game up to average (which I think he can by simply improving positioning and making smart, safe plays in the d-zone), he'll be golden.

 

[GhostofPotvin29]

I really want to keep Gardiner.  I understand he has his defensive zone problems, but his offensive instincts and skating are pretty ridiculous.  He's the kind of guy you keep on your 3rd pairing playing sheltered 5-on-5 minutes, and unleash on the power play or when you're down late.

I've only caught pieces of the last few games, but Gardiner was all over ice creating chances when I watched.  A true all-in offensive weapon.

And if he can get his defensive game up to average (which I think he can by simply improving positioning and making smart, safe plays in the d-zone), he'll be golden.

I think this notion that he isn't good defensively is overblown.  I don't think he's great positionally, but I think the game is more than that, and Gardiner excels at skating the puck out of trouble in the Leafs end.  That's why I think the stats back this up - his possession numbers are the best on the team right now and he's logged the most ES minutes in putting up those numbers.  Opposition teams still get more shot attempts against the Leafs than the Leafs do when he's on the ice, but that's true for every Leafs player and Gardiner's ratio is the best on the team.  No, he's not doing it against the top competition, but that's okay too.  I don't think you would want him matching up against the best, but as a solid 2nd pairing guy.

In short, I don't think he plays defense in a traditionally strong way, but that his possession abilities nonetheless help the Leafs defend-by-attacking better than anyone else on the roster.

 

[AvroArrow]

I think this notion that he isn't good defensively is overblown.  I don't think he's great positionally, but I think the game is more than that, and Gardiner excels at skating the puck out of trouble in the Leafs end.  That's why I think the stats back this up - his possession numbers are the best on the team right now and he's logged the most ES minutes in putting up those numbers.  Opposition teams still get more shot attempts against the Leafs than the Leafs do when he's on the ice, but that's true for every Leafs player and Gardiner's ratio is the best on the team.  No, he's not doing it against the top competition, but that's okay too.  I don't think you would want him matching up against the best, but as a solid 2nd pairing guy.

In short, I don't think he plays defense in a traditionally strong way, but that his possession abilities nonetheless help the Leafs defend-by-attacking better than anyone else on the roster.

I'd put his defensive skills just under average primarily due to a couple issues.

1. When you gain possession behind the net, you just can't hang onto the puck when your pressured.  Your better off moving it to your defense partner or forwards.  He holds it dangerously at times, and is stripped of the puck on occassion.  (it doesn't help that the forwards tend to take off out of the zone when we gain possession behind the net, but he shouldn't be hanging onto the puck and trying to outmanoeuvre the forchecker without backup)

2. Some of his outlet passes from within the defensive zone are blatantly dangerous and have been picked off too many times.  I understand he's trying to move it quickly to take advantage of a potential offensive break, but I think he's being a bit too risky at times.

Beyond that, I'm pretty happy with him, and love watching him get unleashed.  Still plenty young too.  I don't see a need to move this kid anytime soon.

As far as I'm concerned, our defensive core is Phaneuf, Reilly, and Gardiner.  Everyone else can be moved for upgrades.

 

[Bullfrog]

As far as I'm concerned, our defensive core is Phaneuf, Reilly, and Gardiner.  Everyone else can be moved for upgrades.

I'm with you on that, though there's always room for someone like Gunnarson.

 

[Corn Flake]

I really want to keep Gardiner.  I understand he has his defensive zone problems, but his offensive instincts and skating are pretty ridiculous.  He's the kind of guy you keep on your 3rd pairing playing sheltered 5-on-5 minutes, and unleash on the power play or when you're down late.

I've only caught pieces of the last few games, but Gardiner was all over ice creating chances when I watched.  A true all-in offensive weapon.

And if he can get his defensive game up to average (which I think he can by simply improving positioning and making smart, safe plays in the d-zone), he'll be golden.

Paul Coffey was pretty terrible defensively but when you put up the points he did, people don't seem to notice. 

If this is what Gardiner is going to deliver on a relatively consistent basis, then yeah - you keep him and get a defensive d-man for his right side who can cover for him.  That player is certainly not going to be Cody Franson. 

I think if this keeps up, you let Gardiner and Rielly provide the offense, then configure the rest of the blueline to be shutdown defensive oriented.  So Phaneuf, Gleason, Gunarsson and one more defensive d-man who can play 20 mins, and the blueline looks more balanced and much more stable, yet still dangerous offensively.

 

[moon111]

Only the Leafs would have four defensemen in the top 65 in scoring and not have any forwards aware if the D pinch. 

 

[Rebel_1812]

I really want to keep Gardiner.  I understand he has his defensive zone problems, but his offensive instincts and skating are pretty ridiculous.  He's the kind of guy you keep on your 3rd pairing playing sheltered 5-on-5 minutes, and unleash on the power play or when you're down late.

I've only caught pieces of the last few games, but Gardiner was all over ice creating chances when I watched.  A true all-in offensive weapon.

And if he can get his defensive game up to average (which I think he can by simply improving positioning and making smart, safe plays in the d-zone), he'll be golden.

Paul Coffey was pretty terrible defensively but when you put up the points he did, people don't seem to notice. 

If this is what Gardiner is going to deliver on a relatively consistent basis, then yeah - you keep him and get a defensive d-man for his right side who can cover for him.  That player is certainly not going to be Cody Franson. 

I think if this keeps up, you let Gardiner and Rielly provide the offense, then configure the rest of the blueline to be shutdown defensive oriented.  So Phaneuf, Gleason, Gunarsson and one more defensive d-man who can play 20 mins, and the blueline looks more balanced and much more stable, yet still dangerous offensively.

Yeah and Franson will be expensive to sign in this offseason.  He will likely be the one moved in the offseason.

 

[Highlander]

We have to make room for Percy and Granberg, perhaps Holzer, and Finn will not be far behind.