The Toronto Maple Leafs have agreed to a contract extension with defenseman Jake Gardiner for five years worth $20.25 million.
Gardiner ranked first on the team in goals (10) and second in assists (21) among Leafs blueliners while participating in 80 games this season. With an average annual value of $4.05, captain Dion Phaneuf is the only Toronto d-man paid more than Gardiner.
Despite his name surrounded by trade rumors over the past two seasons, it seems as if Toronto has committed to locking up one of their more important assets within the organization in Gardiner. After a breakout campaign in 2011-2012 in which he registered 30 points in 75 contests, he rarely suited up for Toronto in the lockout-shortened 2013 regular season (12 games).
The 17th overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft has tacked on 65 points in 167 appearances throughout his career as well as five points in six postseason games.
Now with another impressive run with Toronto under his belt which exemplified his great progression both offensively and defensively, the 24-year-old will continue to fight for big minutes on the back-end at even strength and on the power play this upcoming season.
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