Whats Gardiner all about?

[0PucksGiven]

So I looked for other threads about this but couldn't find any.

So far this season I have drafted him, cursed him, dropped him, picked him back up and now I'm scratching my head.
What is this guy going to do this year? Is Carlyle the problem here?

What should my expectation be of him?

On a side note... I drafted Faulk as well and they both have mad eye pull my hair out till I dropped both of them.

[Jabroni Slayr]

Caryle doesn't trust him because he can't/won't play responsible, effective defense. I used to think Carlyle was just being too rough on him and that he should just let him play his game - which is definitely offense focused - and deal with the turnovers and laxidaisical play that come with it but after seeing a prime example of this type of play a couple games ago when he got completely embarassed twice on plays that resulted in goals by the Bruins, I think Carlyle might be right. He seems like the kind of player who would be best in sheltered 5 on 5 minutes with heavy PP use. Right now at least. Toronto management signed him long-term so you can bet he'll be sticking around beyond Carlyle but the kid has to learn the other side of the puck if he wants to avoid becoming a career PP role player or 7th defenseman.

In terms of what to expect this year, I'd view him as a 30 point player and be thrilled with anything more. In keeper or dynasty leagues he obviously maintains that "potential" value bonus but right now he's got some cards stacked against him.

[jason.park.87]

He was pretty bad against the Bruins, but in his defense, everyone else was standing around or chasing the puck on those goals too. Paired with the right type of defense partner, he could just focus on the offense. The problem is that the Maple Laffs don't really have that proper fit for him, so his defense is gonna look suspect pretty often.

[Zorro]

Paired with the right type of defense partner, he could just focus on the offense. The problem is that the Maple Laffs don't really have that proper fit for him, so his defense is gonna look suspect pretty often.

Defense partners like Robidas and Polak?? Put Gardiner and Rielly with these two.. Done!!

[0PucksGiven]

I'll keep him for tonight game and then if I get all eggs across the board I am going to cut ties with him..

[Excelsior]

Defense partners like Robidas and Polak?? Put Gardiner and Rielly with these two.. Done!!

Totally agree with this but it just makes too much sense : (

I used to think Carlyle was being a jerk when it came to Gardiner, but with Carlyle fighting for his coaching life with the Leafs and needing wins I can't figure out why he paired mostly with Rielly.