Former Leaf cleared to resume career after missing entire season due to multiple significant injuries
Former Leaf defenseman Jake Gardiner has finally been cleared to resume skating and playing hockey. According to Canes GM Don Waddell, Gardiner received full medical clearance to resume hockey related activities this week. This comes on the heels of him missing the entire 2021-22 season after undergoing hip and back surgeries for injuries that plagued him throughout the 2020-2021 season.
Last season, Gardiner only played 26 games for the Canes where he contributed 8 assists before going on LTIR. He signed a 4-year deal with Carolina in 2019 that carries a cap hit of $4.05M for one more season. Him being cleared to play and resume hockey could pose an issue for the Canes and their cap situation. Thankfully, the offseason is upon us, so the Canes can move some money around.
While Carolina has just over $19M in cap space, currently they have a number of UFAs and RFAs including Tony DeAngelo, Vincent Trocheck, Steve Lorentz, Martin Necas and Nino Neiderreiter in need of new deals. With most of them due for hefty raises this off-season, the Canes may have to let a few of them walk and/or trade other roster players to make room for their new contracts and Gardiner's return from LTIR.
The off-season for Don Waddell and the Hurricanes just got more interesting, as they also have to decide if they move on from their goaltenders. Both are signed for next season, but Frederik Andersen is coming off of MCL surgery and Raanta was injured during their series with the Rangers. Will both netminders be back, or will one be on the move?
| POLL | ||
2 JUIN | 382 ANSWERS Former Leaf cleared to resume career after missing entire season due to multiple significant injuries If Carolina was willing to eat 50% of Gardiner's salary, would you welcome him back to Toronto? | ||
| Are you nuts? | 128 | 33.5 % |
| Yes, he was a good player when used properly | 73 | 19.1 % |
| Not a chance in hell | 109 | 28.5 % |
| The Canes won't eat 50% anyway | 72 | 18.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
