Gardiner has a goal and an assist in eight games this season, playing primarily on the third defensive pairing.

EDGE Analysis

Gardiner was a top-four defender for the Maple Leafs during his last few seasons in Toronto, regularly averaging 21-22 minutes per game, but so far with the Canes he's seeing a significantly reduced role, averaging just 17:40 of ice time. However, he does still see a good chunk of time on the power play -- about 2:11 per game. For the time being, the Canes will be counting on him to play more of a solid defensive game rather than jumping into the rush, and that does not bode well for his fantasy value.