Maple Leafs D Gardiner a healthy scratch vs. Hurricanes
Maple Leafs coach Randy Carlyle has decided to scratch defenseman Jake Gardiner in favor of Mark Fraser for Thursday's game against the Hurricanes.
The decision seems puzzling considering the important role Gardiner has played on a shaky Toronto blue line this season.
Gardiner averages 21:39 per game for the #Leafs, second behind Dion Phaneuf.
— Brian Compton (@BComptonNHL) January 10, 2014
Fraser has one assist in 18 games and has struggled to establish himself as a regular in the lineup this year after playing in 45 of 48 contests last season. Fraser has not dressed since Dec. 17 against the Panthers, when he registered 13:36 ice-time.
Gardiner was limited to 12 games last season after recording 30 points in 75 games as a rookie in 2011-12. He has been the subject of trade rumors this season, but watching games from the press box will certainly not enhance his value.