Jake Gardiner will be paired with Mark Fraser against Philadelphia Wednesday night. There was some talk that Gardiner might spend Wednesday night watching from the press box after a lackluster effort against the Canadiens, but coach Randy Carlyle decided instead to have him skate with a more defensive-minded partner than Cody Franson, who he played with on Tuesday.

Jake Gardiner has not been particularly impressive in the Leafs' training camp to date. Toronto coach Randy Carlyle was pretty candid about Gardiner not picking up where he left off last season. When asked if Gardiner was playing as well as he did in the playoff last season, Carlyle said "no no he's not". Those looking for a breakout season from Gardiner may have to temper their expectations. His current level of play and the re-signing of Cody Franson have hurt his fantasy value.

Jake Gardiner has been one of the best Maple Leaf players the past two games. He has been outstanding moving the puck out of the Toronto zone with his smooth-skating ability. Gardiner has also been solid defensively taking the Bruin forwards out with efficent positioning and physicality. Gardnier has been rewarded for his fine play with ice time. He led all Toronto skaters with 24:05 minutes of ice time in Game 6.

Coach Randy Carlyle praised the play of Jake Gardiner Friday prior to Game 5 of Toronto's first-round playoff series against Boston. "I think Jake is moving better than at any time he's moved this year," Carlyle said. "I think his competitiveness on the defensive side of the puck has gone up dramatically from where he was at Christmas when he came back. ... He's elevated his game here in the playoffs - he has an element that every team would like." Gardiner has picked up a point in three straight games since getting back into the lineup. He has a goal and three assists in the first three playoff appearances of his career.

Jake Gardiner posted two assists and a plus-1 rating in Toronto's overtime loss against Boston Wednesday night. The 22-year-old blueliner has displayed plenty of mobility, while picking up four points in three playoff games for the Leafs. Gardiner played in just 12 games during the regular season, where he accounted for four assists. He still makes some defensive miscues, but even that part of his game has seen some improvement in the postseason which has led to more ice time from the coaching staff.

Jake Gardiner scored his first career NHL postseason goal in Monday's 5-2 loss to the Boston Bruins. Gardiner's goal was also the Maple Leafs' first home playoff goal since 2004 and the tally sent off a raucous celebration inside and outside of the Air Canada Centre. Unfortunately for all of Toronto, the Bruins scored 50 seconds later and again two minutes after that. The Maple Leafs likely need to win Wednesday night to ensure to the series heads back to Toronto for Game 6.

Jake Gardiner enjoyed a solid game for the Maple Leafs in Saturday's 4-2 win over the Bruins. Gardiner was a healthy scratch for the series opener, but after the team struggled with its breakout passes it became clear Gardiner's puck handling skills were needed. The slick blue liner shook off a first period giveaway and his calm demeanor while carrying the puck proved invaluable for Toronto. Of all the players inserted into the Maple Leafs' lineup for Game 2, Gardiner has the greatest chance to make a long-term impact on their playoff run.

Look for Jake Gardiner to draw back into the Toronto lineup against the Bruins for Game 2 Saturday night. With Mike Kostka out with a broken finger and John-Michael Liles being a healthy scratch due to ineffectiveness, Gardiner will suit up and skate with Ryan O'Byrne on the Buds' third defenseman pairing. Feel free to activate him if you need a defenseman in your lineup.

Jake Gardiner returned to the lineup Saturday in place of John-Michael Liles. Gardiner was a healthy scratch for five of the Leafs' last six contests but led the Buds with nearly 24 minutes of ice-time in the win over Montreal Saturday night. "I thought Jake Gardiner had one of his better games; he skated, he moved the puck, I didn't think he was a liability defensively, I thought he had a good game," said coach Carlyle. Gardiner is an NHL-level talent who shouldn't be forgotten in fantasy circles for next year's draft. Gardiner was first among NHL rookie blueliners in points last season with 30 in 75 games but still needs work on his defensive game.

Don't be surprised is Jake Gardiner returns to the Maple Leaf lineup against Montreal Saturday night. He was a healthy scratch for five of the Buds' last six contests. If Gardiner does play, it may be at the expense of John-Micahel Liles who struggled in games this week.