Gardiner has quietly impressed Leafs' coach Mike Babcock, reports Sportsnet.ca. "He's a real good two-pair guy, getting better each and every day," said Babcock. "More confidence. Goes back for the puck better. Stronger."

EDGE Analysis

Gardiner has 14 points in 42 games, but his plus-3 rating is a massive improvement from last season's minus-23. Still, he has one assist in his last eight games and is only delivering value in deep formats right now. We do think Gardiner's future remains solid, but he may not be the 40-point defender we all once imagined. But his coach's trust is huge, especially with his past criticisms.