Defenseman Jake Gardiner remains one of the biggest unrestricted free agents on the market, but there's word it's not for lack of offers. According to Dave Pagnotta, radio host and analyst, Gardiner has offers from four teams, all with varying terms and dollars. The only team Pagnotta mentions by name is the Montreal Canadians.
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It has been stated several times that Gardiner's preference is to re-sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, given their current cap situation and the ongoing negotiations with star restricted free agent Mitch Marner, that seems unlikely, though not impossible if some sort of bridge deal could be worked out with Marner. While drafted by the Anaheim Ducks, Toronto is the only NHL team Gardiner has ever played for. The 29-year-old has spent the better part of eight seasons with the Leafs, nabbing 245 points (45 goals, 200 assists) in 551 games.
It was stated earlier this summer that Gardiner had a "hand-shake deal" with an NHL team, but was waiting for the organization to clear up cap space before the signing became official. No word on what team that might have been.
