Jake Gardiner
 | Jake Gardiner #19 Marlies #51 Leafs Position: D, Shoots: L. Height: 188 cm / 6'2", Weight: 79 kg / 174 lbs, Birthyear: 1990-07-04, Birthplace: Deephaven, MN, Drafted: 2008 round 1 #17 overall by Anaheim Ducks Talent Analysis Gardiner is a versatile offensive defenseman with size, quick feet and great hands. He was quickly able to adjust and adapt to playing on the blueline after having played much of his career as a forward. Gardiner has demonstrated remarkably sound and smart positional play. He utilizes his speed and hockey instincts to play the defensive position effectively. It is further enhanced by his tremendous on-ice awareness, and his ability to read and react to developing plays accordingly. Depending upon how well his development progresses at the collegiate level, Gardiner could eventually blossom into a complete defenseman who is equally adept on both sides of the puck. Gardiner’s skating is one of his best attributes. He is very agile and has tremendously quick feet that can be seen particularly in his transitioning. He combines long, fluid strides with good pivots and explosive speed. At 6’2/178 lbs, Gardiner has good size and strength that he also uses to his advantage, both offensively and defensively. He can finish his checks very well. Where Gardiner is particularly dangerous are in the areas in front of the net and along the boards. He is strong on his skates and is a difficult player to move off of the puck. And coupled with his size, speed and long reach, he can also be just as tough to beat. As his body matures, Gardiner will become an even more dominant and effective force on the blueline. Future Outlook Will play at the NA pro level for the 2011-12 season. Has the potential to be a top 4 defense man. |
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