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Gardiner, Orr, Rosehill scratched.
After playing two games for the Leafs, the former 17th overall pick is a healthy scratch. Over those two games he is still looking for his first NHL point while sporting a minus-2 rating.
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Jake Gardiner News
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The cuts mean that rookies Matt Frattin and Jake Gardiner have made the team.
As one of the better defensive prospects in hockey, Gardiner could make the team and push a veteran out of a job. Last season, he scored 10 goals and 41 points in as many games with the University of Wisconsin. The team will keep him on a tight leash as he could use a bit more time in the AHL after playing only 10 games with the Marlies last season.
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Gardiner's ever-emerging presence on the Leafs blue line has further complicated things for Ron Wilson heading into the preseason finale against Detroit on Saturday.
As one of the better defensive prospects in hockey, Gardiner could make the team and push a veteran out of a job. Last season, he scored 10 goals and 41 points in as many games with the University of Wisconsin. He could use a bit more time in the AHL after playing only 10 games with the Marlies last season.
“I’m just going to play to the best of my ability and let the rest of it take care of itself,” said Gardiner, who played 10 games for the Toronto Marlies last season, collecting three assists.
Gardiner figures to start the season in the AHL but should impress during the preseason. As the team's top defensive prospect, he hopes to render a puck-moving d-man like John-Michael Liles obsolete sooner rather than later.