Report: Maple Leafs feeling out market for Jake Gardiner

According to a report from CBC's Elliotte Friedman, the Toronto Maple Leafs are "definitely" engaged in "some level of conversation" with other NHL teams regarding a possible trade of puck-moving defenseman Jake Gardiner.

From Friedman's weekly 30 thoughts column:

There is definitely some level of conversation going on between other teams and Toronto involving Jake Gardiner. I despise the word "shopped," as it's more like a feeling-out process. If the Maple Leafs do decide to do it, it's going to be for a young asset or assets. So, you have to look at teams with talented young players. This is PURELY my speculation, but if teams like Dallas, Florida or Minnesota would be interested, you could see a match.

Gardiner had a 30 point season in his rookie year, but has been a regular guest in coach Randy Carlyle's dog-house over the past two seasons. Last season Gardiner only played in 12 games for Toronto, recording four points. He added five points in six playoff games.