Jake Gardiner returned to the press box in Monday's win over the New York Rangers. He has watched four of Toronto's past five games as a healthy scratch. "I'm not sure what's going on," Gardiner said Tuesday. "I feel like I can definitely contribute. I'm going to do whatever the team needs to win. I'm just going to try to contribute any way I can." Coach Randy Carlyle still thinks Gardiner is a little too raw in the defensive zone and may not want to have him out there with the Leafs trying to secure a playoff spot. The problem for Gardiner is that he can't be sent down without having to pass through waivers and he would certainly be claimed by another team if that happened. He's still a very good fantasy prospect, but it doesn't look he'll have much value for the remainder of the year.

Jake Gardiner returned to the lineup Saturday night following a three-game stint in the press box. 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.

Jake Gardiner found himself as a healthy scratch Thursday less than 10 days after being recalled from the AHL. The Leafs' decision to leave Gardiner in the AHL was a hotly debated topic for months before they recalled him last Tuesday, so it's a little surprising that he found himself in the press box already. The smooth-skating defenseman said Friday morning that he got the message from coach Randy Carlyle. "I think Randy wants me to hit guys more, not necessarily hit them I guess, just finish my check," Gardiner said. We'll have to see if he gets to implement that again Saturday night.

Jake Gardiner will suit up for Toronto Wednesday night after being called up from the minors on Tuesday. He will be paired with John-Micheal Liles against Tampa Bay. "My mindset is to just to play my game and help the Leafs get some wins," he said. "I'm getting a second chance. I have to make sure I help get this team a win." The smooth-skating defenseman should add some mobility to Toronto's back end and he should get some power-play time versus the Lightning.

Toronto Maple Leafs recall Jake Gardiner from AHL Toronto. It sounds like the pleas of Gardiner's agent finally reached the doors of Dave Nonis. More likely, however, the odds that Nonis simply couldn't leave Gardiner in the AHL anymore. The Minnesota native has 10 goals and 31 points in 43 games with the Marlies this season, which is something the big league club could seriously use on its blue line. Now that he's back in the NHL, we recommend picking up in most leagues.

It sounds like Jake Gardiner won't be called up yet despite his agent, Ben Hankinson, pleas via Twitter. Hankinson used the hashtag FreeJakeGardiner on Twitter Tuesday night, which started a stir. Gardiner has 10 goals and 30 points in 40 games, so it's not hard to see why there are those who would like to see the Toronto Maple Leafs give him another shot, especially after he had 30 points in 75 NHL contests last season. "[We want him at a level] where he's probably too good for the AHL," Leafs coach Randy Carlyle explained. "And I haven't heard anybody tell me that he has." He's worth picking up whenever the Leafs summon him.

Jake Gardiner's Minnesota-based agent, Ben Hankinson, caused a stir on Twitter last night after Tuesday's loss in Winnipeg. He tweeted: "#FreeJakeGardiner," which has over 500 retweets. Gardiner has been stuck in the minors since recovering from his concussion. The Leafs have eight defensemen on their roster and would need to make some roster decisions to bring Gardiner up. He has accumulated 10 goals and 30 points in 40 AHL games this campaign and has skated in just two games with the Maple Leafs. Toronto could also reinstate John-Michael Liles from the press box to add some mobility to their back end in the meantime.

Jake Gardiner has been very well in the AHL and appears to have put his concussion issue behind him. He logged 34 minutes of ice time and contributed an assist in the Marlies' 2-1 loss to Houston on Monday. Unfortunately, the Maple Leafs don't have a spot for him on their roster right now barring a trade or an injury and whoever he replaces would have to clear waivers to be sent down. Gardiner can also only play three more NHL games before he has to start clearing waivers himself to be shuttled between the Marlies and the Leafs. He has been great in the AHL this campaign with nine goals and 22 points in 31 games. Make no mistake though, Gardiner is an NHL-level talent who shouldn't be forgotten in fantasy circles. He just may have to wait a little to get his chance again and will continue to improve in the minors until then.

As expected, Jake Gardiner has been returned to the AHL by the Maple Leafs. He returned to action last Wednesday after being out since December 8 with a concussion and played on Thursday as well. However, the team feels he needs to work himself back into shape and that he'd be better off doing that in the minors.

Jake Gardiner won't play Tuesday night while he works his way back from a concussion. Gardiner had been labeled a "coach's decision" for Tuesday's game against Buffalo and we expect that will be his status again for Saturday's game against Boston if he's still with the Leafs. Coach Randy Carlyle said earlier Tuesday that returning Gardiner to the AHL later this week is still very much in play.