Gardiner grabbed a pair of assists in Monday's win over the Flames.

EDGE Analysis

He also skated 24:15 worth of ice time in the contest, marking the fifth straight game the blue liner has seen a significant increase from his season average (20:16) in that department. Gardiner's value is limited by the team he's on, but he's now just three points away from topping his career-best 31.

Gardiner scored the Leafs' only goal in Thursday's 2-1 loss to the Wild.

EDGE Analysis

He's been chipping in here and there, with three points in the last five games, but Gardiner remains a worse-than-mediocre fantasy producer for a Leafs team that doesn't generate much offensively and has goaltending issues. In some ways, he's a victim of his circumstances, but Gardiner also simply hasn't been as good over the last couple years as he was in his 10-goal, 31-point 2013-14.

Gardiner scored his second goal in as many games in Thursday's loss to Edmonton.

EDGE Analysis

Is it a coincidence these goals have come in the post-Dion Phaneuf era? We're not convinced, but we're watching that any way. The ice time Phaneuf played needs to get eaten up somewhere and so do the opportunities. The Leafs are a bad offensive club, but they play hard in a strong system. That could result in decent opportunities for Gardiner to step up and prove his mettle.

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.

Gardiner snapped a seven-game point drought in a big way Monday night when he picked up four assists in a 7-4 win over the Avalanche.

EDGE Analysis

Oh boy -- it's about time. Gardiner has been making solid decisions on the ice this season, but hasn't been rewarded with tons of points. This outburst brings his season tally to 10 points in 29 games. Best of all, Gardiner has moved into positive territory in plus-minus for the first time in his career. Sure, it's just plus-1, but that's a huge improvement over last season's minus-23.

Gardiner scored the game-winner with 3:28 remaining and had a power-play assist in Tuesday's 3-2 victory over the Stars.

EDGE Analysis

Gardiner ripped a shot that hit off a skate in front and got past Antti Niemi to help the Leafs end a three-game losing streak. The two points were Gardiner's first since Oct. 17 and the defenseman now has four points in 12 games this season.

Gardiner scored the game-winning goal and added a power-play assist in Tuesday's 3-2 victory over the Stars.

EDGE Analysis

Despite solid play thus far, these points actually doubled his season point total. Gardiner's game is developing, but right now, he's just not delivering enough production to make him worthy in shallow leagues.

Gardiner (lower body) will return to the lineup Friday evening against the Rangers, Steve Zipay of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

The enigmatic blueliner was placed on injured reserve last Friday, though his injury is believed to have been sustained Oct. 17 against the Pens. Now, he'll try to revive a team defense that has allowed 28 goals in just eight games, which will be no easy task against a Rangers squad that is currently fifth overall in the league standings.

Gardiner (lower body) will likely return to action Friday against the Rangers, Jonas Siegel of TSN Radio 1050 reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gardiner was paired with Dion Phaneuf in Thursday's practice, which is a good indication that he will return to Toronto's lineup Friday against New York. Either way, the 25-year-old blueliner's availability should be confirmed prior to puck drop Friday night.

Gardiner will sit out Monday's game against the Coyotes with a lower-body injury, but is aiming to return Friday, Jonas Siegel of TSN 1050 reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gardiner has been on injured reserve since last Friday because of the lower-body issue, but his injury likely dates back to the last game he participated in Oct. 17 against the Penguins. He's aiming to rejoin the lineup Friday, but his progression throughout the week should provide a better picture on whether or not he'll indeed return then.