Gardiner scored his second goal of the season Saturday in a 4-2 loss to the Capitals.

EDGE Analysis

Much more was expected of Gardiner this season, at least from a fantasy perspective. Instead of building on his 43-point high water mark from last season, Gardiner has taken a bit of a step back. He's still on pace to finish in the mid-30 point range, but that's not where you drafted him. Hopefully, his three points in his last two games are the start of an offensive uptick.

Gardiner dished out a pair of assists in Friday's victory over the Hurricanes.

EDGE Analysis

Those are the first points in six games for Gardiner, who hasn't scored since the second game of the season. He logs monstrous minutes, but Gardiner's fantasy value lies in his power-play time, as he's picked up almost half his points this season with the man advantage. The 27-year-old isn't a massive offensive contributor, but he jumps into the rush often and possesses enough skill to warrant a look in deep leagues.

Gardiner threw one shot on the net and had two takeaways in 26:21 of ice time in Wednesday's 2-1 shootout loss to Florida.

EDGE Analysis

Gardiner has been quiet of late on the scoresheet, only notching two assists in his last 12 games. Still, the Minneapolis native has been averaging 22:21 of ice time and 2:30 of power-play time, and with Toronto currently fourth in the NHL for goals scored per game (3.48), Gardiner has a good shot at hitting the 30-point plateau for the third straight season.

Gardiner has an assist in each of his last two games and four helpers in eight games this season.

EDGE Analysis

One of the helpers came on the power play. Gardiner's success last year included a good chunk of production with the man advantage. Gardiner hasn't had that time or success yet this season.

Gardiner will be paired with Nikita Zaitsev this season, reports the Toronto Sun.

EDGE Analysis

The arrival of Ron Hainsey has allowed the Leafs to put the veteran with Morgan Rielly. "We thought Zaitsev and Jake Gardiner played really well together (but) didn't think Zaitsev and Rielly were a match made in heaven for whatever reason," coach Mike Babcock said of last season. "We're just going to see where it goes. Right now, it gives us two really good pairs." Gardiner could establish new marks in offense if the duo sticks for the whole season -- that's how good they can be.

Gardiner dished out helpers on the power play and at even strength Thursday in Nashville.

EDGE Analysis

Gardiner assisted on goals by Auston Matthews and Connor Brown, with the first coming with the extra man and the second on an empty-netter. The offensive-minded blueliner raised his season points rate back to an even 0.5 per game with this performance while also tying last season's career high with his 12th power-play point.

Gardiner dished out two assists Wednesday in a 5-2 win over Columbus.

EDGE Analysis

The pair of helpers snapped a four-game pointless skid for the rearguard, but more importantly, he's now reached a new career high with 34 points in his sixth NHL season.

Gardiner notched an assist on William Nylander's game-tying power-play goal in the third period Tuesday, then buried the game-winner in overtime to secure a 5-4 victory over Winnipeg.

EDGE Analysis

After failing to hit the scoresheet 12 times in a span of 13 games, Gardiner has exploded seemingly out of nowhere with five points in the Leafs' last two contests. His offense has come in fits and starts, but the bottom line is that Gardiner is now just one point off his career high (31, which he's done twice) while boasting a plus-20 rating that's light years better than any figure he's put up in the past.

Gardiner scored a goal and added two assists in Sunday's win over the Hurricanes.

EDGE Analysis

The points snapped a five-game point drought. Gardiner has five points in his last 13 games, but those points have come in two games. Gardiner's inconsistency makes him a queasy play in most formats and especially in weekly head-to-head contests where slow and steady from lower-tier defenders can help win the prize.

Gardiner is having a career year under coach Mike Babcock, who has invested significant time reviewing video of the defender's mistakes with him.

EDGE Analysis

Oddly enough, Gardiner describes the video tutelage 'fun,' but it's clear the work has sharpened the defender's positioning and decision-making. Gardiner used to be a high-risk, high-reward riverboat gambler. Now, there's less risk and more reward. Gardiner is tied for 26th in league scoring from the blue line with 23 points (46 games). And he's a plus-player (plus-12) for the first time in his career. Gardiner is on pace for a 40-point season. Use him well.