Gardiner (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve Friday, Jonas Siegel of TSN Radio 1050 reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's still unclear exactly what is ailing Gardiner, but the defenseman was held out of Wednesday's contest against the Sabres with the setback. He'll now be sidelined for at least the next week, though the 25-year-old has no established timetable as of now.

Gardiner (undisclosed) won't play Saturday against the Canadiens, Sportsnet's Chris Johnston reports.

EDGE Analysis

The exact nature of Gardiner's injury remains unclear, but the fact that the 25-year-old defender has already been ruled out of Saturday's tilt against Montreal indicates the ailment may be relatively serious. Gardiner will hope to return to action Monday against the Coyotes, and will likely continue to be replaced by Martin Marincin in the Leafs' lineup until healthy.

Gardiner (undisclosed) is day-to-day with an injury with no timetable for his return, David Alter of the National Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

The former Wisconsin Badger has been very solid this season, putting up a goal and an assist while logging four penalty minutes and a plus-2 rating in five games this season. The 25-year-old has been a solid point producer from the blue line throughout his career, including a career-high 31 in 2013-14. While the Maple Leafs haven't been great, Gardiner has been a bright spot on the team. He's replaced by Martin Marincin in the lineup.

Gardner is starting to prove himself 5-on-5 and seems far more comfortable under coach Mike Babcock than former boss Randy Carlyle, under whom his game regressed.

EDGE Analysis

He leads the team in average ice time 5-on-5 with 18:21 for good reason -- more than 60 percent of the shots attempted during that time come from Leaf sticks, which means the game is being played in the opposing offensive zone. Gardiner is also picking up points. He has a goal and assist in his last two games and is the only Leaf blueliner with a goal. A confident Gardiner is a valuable Gardiner, so take a chance.

Gardiner skated with newcomer Scott Harrington and not Morgan Rielly during Wednesday's home opener against Montreal.

EDGE Analysis

He finished minus-2 with one shot and two blocks. There were even a few moments where his rover-like approach put him right behind the Montreal net. We'll see if that style gets reined in a bit under Mike Babcock's watch.

Gardiner will start the season paired with Morgan Rielly, reports Toronto's Sportsnet 590 The FAN.

EDGE Analysis

The two played well together last season, but Gardiner really needs to prove he can think the game a whole lot better. Coach Mike Babcock is a hard man to please, so we'll see how long he can handle Gardiner's riverboat gambler approach.

Gardiner says he's "ready to step up and be one of the leaders on the team now," according to the Toronto Sun. "It should be a good year," said the defender, who trained this summer in Nova Scotia with Andy O'Brien, trainer of Sidney Crosby and John Tavares, and then in Minnesota.

EDGE Analysis

He clearly put in the time in the gym and is ready to show his new coach and team brass that he can be more than just an enigma on the ice. But all the physical training in the world won't re-wire his brain for better decision making, so it remains to be seen if he can step up and think the game in a way that helps him expand his value to the team.

Gardiner provided the team's lone goal in Monday's 2-1 loss to the Wild. Gardiner needed over three months between goals two and three on the season, but he's now found the back of the net twice in the last three games to bring his season tally up to four. The defenseman has actually been producing at an impressive rate in March, tallying seven points in 11 games, but a minus-21 rating is likely enough to scare away most potential fantasy owners.

Gardiner scored the Leafs' only goal in a 4-1 loss to the Sharks on Thursday night. It was his first goal since Dec. 6 and only his third goal of the season (he had 10 last year). He does have six point (one goal, five assists) in his last nine games, so perhaps there are some offensive signs of life. But his game hasn't developed the way his fantasy owners have felt it should.

Gardiner registered two assists in Friday's loss to the Flames. It's been largely a forgettable season for Gardiner, but he's begun to come on strong under interim coach Peter Horachek. He's tallied four assists in his last three four games, while seeing over 23 minutes of ice time on each occasion. The minus-22 rating will likely remain an issue the rest of the season, but he may be able to offset it to a degree if he continues to provide point with regularity.