Gardiner (back) set up two goals in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Penguins.

EDGE Analysis

The rest must have helped -- he had sat out two games prior to the All-Star break. Gardiner is a solid fantasy contributor, but he had just a single assist in his previous 10 games. He'll want to put on a show as the Leafs head toward the postseason, as he's a free agent this summer. And given salary cap issues in Toronto, Gardiner will likely be inking a new deal in another city.

Gardiner (back) will play in Friday's game versus the Red Wings, Paul Hendrick of the Maple Leafs' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gardiner watched the final two games before the All-Star break from the press box, but he's ready to fit back into the second pairing. Gardiner has been an effective puck distributor this season with 22 assists in 47 games, but he has fired just 57 shots on net in that span, which has blossomed into just two goals.

Gardiner is "feeling good," but coach Mike Babcock indicated a final decision on his status against the Red Wings will come Friday morning, Terry Koshan of The Toronto Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gardiner's return would be a boon for the Leafs after a pair of games on the mend. The 28-year-old blueliner has compiled 22 assists and two goals to go along with a plus-17 rating over 47 games this season. His return would likely bump Martin Marincin out of the defensive pairings.

Gardiner (back) will not dress for Wednesday's game against the Capitals, Paul Hendrick of the Maple Leafs' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

With the All-Star break on tap, it appears the Leafs' coaching staff will play it safe with the blueliner, allowing him another week-plus of rest. He seems a good bet to rejoin the action to open the second half Feb. 1 against the Red Wings.

Gardiner (back) is awaiting official clearance to return Wednesday against the Capitals, Terry Koshan of The Toronto Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

While Mark Masters of TSN.ca seems confident that Gardiner will return based on the defenseman showing up for morning skate alongside Nikita Zaitsev, it would be in the best interest of fantasy owners to track Gardiner's status all the way through pregame warmups. Should he sit out for a second straight game, Martin Marincin reportedly would be the favorite to continue replacing him.

Gardiner (back) is expected to slot back into the lineup against the Capitals on Wednesday, Mark Masters of TSN.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gardiner is not only bogged down in a four-game goal drought, but also hasn't scored a goal in his previous 19 outing, his last tally coming Dec. 4 versus Buffalo. The much maligned defenseman should retake his spot on the second pairing with Nikita Zaitsev, as well as resume his role on the power play.

Gardiner (back spasms) will miss Monday's practice and his status for Wednesday's game against Washington remains "unclear", Paul Hendrick of the Maple Leafs' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gardiner will sit out Monday's practice, and a decision on his status for Wednesday's game at home versus Washington is expected to be made Tuesday. While nothing has been made official, it would be surprising to see Gardiner suit up Wednesday with the All-Star break right around the corner. Toronto will likely keep him out until after the break, though check back Tuesday for confirmation.

Gardiner (back) will not suit up for Sunday's game against Arizona.

EDGE Analysis

The 28-year-old blueliner has just two goals and 24 points this season, including just three on the power play. Gardiner is still averaging 21:40 of ice time per game but isn't making nearly as big of an impact as he did last season. Toronto's next game will be Wednesday against the Capitals, the team's final game before the All-Star break.

Gardner heard boos from hometown fans Monday in a 6-3 loss to Colorado.

EDGE Analysis

It was his second-straight sloppy outing. But Monday, he was outworked and outmuscled by the Avs Carl Soderberg, who stripped the defender of the puck and netted a nifty shorthanded marker. Gardiner doesn't deserve the boos -- it was just a gaffe. But fans have not forgiven his massive brain fart in Game 7 against Boston last playoffs and they see him as a liability. That doesn't diminish his fantasy value ... unless his confidence is shaken by the fan fury.

Gardiner's assist Sunday against the Red Wings gave him 20 for the sixth consecutive year as a Maple Leaf.

EDGE Analysis

Gardiner faces a lot of criticism in the Toronto marketplace after his complete meltdown in Game 7 against Boston last spring. But it remains clear that he'd be a top-four defender on any squad and he's on track to come close to 50 points this season. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, Gardiner's value has declined because he's producing almost exclusively at even strength. There are too many studs in Toronto for him to earn top-unit time.