When we think of an elite defenseman we look towards those who are effective on both ends of the rink. The best defensemen in the world are capable of disrupting the opposition’s attack and immediately turn that play into a scoring chance for his team. These types of plays don\u2019t occur regularly, but superior defenders are capable of making something out of nothing. That is why the job of a defenseman is crucial for his team.<\/p>\n
Despite being relied upon by its goaltender to limit quality\u00a0shots against, they also need to be able to move the puck up ice to its forwards in order to create any opportunity to score.\u00a0The\u00a0Toronto Maple Leafs\u00a0<\/strong>have many skilled players in their lineup, but what’s not to be forgotten is the importance of their back end. Here’s why Jake Gardiner<\/a><\/strong> is an elite defenseman who leads Toronto’s blueline by example.<\/p>\n The Maple Leafs\u00a0acquired Gardiner along with Joffrey Lupul<\/a><\/strong> and a conditional fourth-round pick from the Anaheim Ducks for defenseman Francois Beauchemin<\/a><\/strong>. From there on out Gardiner would remain a valuable asset to the Maple Leafs, and it’s\u00a0starting to show now. The Minnesota native didn\u2019t always have it easy making his way to the NHL, especially when battling<\/a> with former Leafs head coach Randy Carlyle<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n But that all changed<\/a> when Mike Babcock<\/strong> was hired as Toronto\u2019s head coach about a year and a half ago. Gardiner now finds himself as a 26-year old veteran defenseman amongst the rookies in Toronto, where every game it\u2019s William Nylander<\/a><\/strong>, Mitch Marner<\/a><\/strong>, Auston Matthews<\/a><\/strong> and sometimes Morgan Rielly<\/a> <\/strong>receiving the spotlight from the media.<\/p>\n While the rookies have made Leafs hockey much more exciting to watch, Gardiner\u2019s name doesn\u2019t come up enough when looking for reasons on why this team is better than last years. In fact, Gardiner\u2019s impact when he\u2019s on the ice puts him up with the league\u2019s best defensemen.<\/p>\n Through 30 games so far, Gardiner\u2019s five-on-five 53.89 CF% puts him in the top 20 out of defensemen with at least 400 minutes played.\u00a0 Those possession numbers currently puts him in between Kris Letang<\/a><\/strong> and Roman Josi<\/a><\/strong>, two elite puck moving defensemen.<\/p>\n His possession numbers are also very impressive in relation to his teammates. When Gardiner is on the ice the Maple Leafs allow about five less shot attempts every 60 minutes compared to when he\u2019s on the bench. This defensive impact is comparable to what Marc-Edouard Vlasic<\/a> <\/strong>brings to the San Jose Sharks on the defensive end. Meanwhile, on the other side of the rink, Toronto generates nearly six more shot attempts every hour with Gardiner playing. This type of offensive impact is comparable to Mark Giordano<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s effect on the Calgary Flames.<\/p>\n On paper, Gardiner\u2019s impact on his team is among the best in the league. However, he doesn\u2019t receive the praise and attention that is missing. Roman Polak<\/a><\/strong> will receive more coverage from broadcasters for his ability to lay the body, and Rielly will shock the crowd with his blazing speed down the ice. Gardiner on the other hand will make the little plays that go unnoticed or are undervalued.<\/p>\nGardiner’s Journey as a Maple Leaf<\/h3>\n
Stat Sheet Star<\/h3>\n
Passing the Eye Test<\/h3>\n