158 replies to this topic

[MikeBosse]

Lets hope Burke can pull this off and get Gardiner and Shultz re-united. A story i found interesting from sportsnet.ca....a combined 88 points in 41 games...this would make someone expendable in a trade for that center we need. Wonder if the Ducks would take Komi for his negotiating rights....just a thought lol. The fact Burke drafted them and Carlyle has worked with them adds to my speculation they may just like the thought of re-uniting and playing for the Leafs.

TORONTO- In 2008 the Anaheim Ducks used their top-two picks in the NHL Entry Draft to select two defenceman; they took Jake Gardiner, a native of Deephaven, Minnesota, 17th, and Justin Schultz, from West Kelowna, B.C., 43rd.
Before 2008, they were strangers but over the next two seasons they would get to know each other well; becoming friends as they were both committed to playing for the University of Wisconsin Badgers.
“I met him in Anaheim training camp our draft year,” said Gardiner about his first encounter with Schultz. ”I was at Wisconsin already and he was just going in.”
Both born in 1990, Gardiner is the elder by only two days but, when Schultz joined the Badgers in 2009/10, Gardiner already had one season of college hockey under his belt; having been named to the WCHA All Rookie team in the process.
Schultz earned the same honour his freshman year and in 2010/11 they were paired together, becoming the best offensive back-end duo in the nation. Schultz lead all college defenceman in scoring with 18 goals and 47 points while Gardiner finished second with 10 goals and 41 points; both doing it in 41 games.
“Our coach was worried about playing us together because we’re both offensive minded guys,” said Gardiner about being teamed up on the blue line with Schultz. ”He’s a really good skater and a guy who can run a power play; really smart with the puck. We’re similar hockey players.”
“I think hes five pounds lighter than me but were both 6’2″ and pretty much the same build,” he added.

On top of leading the league statistically, Gardiner and Schultz were both named WCHA All Stars; proving to the Ducks that their first two picks had a future in the NHL.
But with their games being so similar, Gardiner joking that the only difference is Schultz is right-handed, Anaheim could afford to move one. Gardiner became an asset to the Ducks and his rights were acquired by the Toronto Maple Leafs via trade in February of 2010; ending the chance of Gardiner and Schultz turning pro together.
“We talked about playing pro together,” said Gardiner. ”People always asked us about playing on the same pro team, our answer was always were not there yet. We definately talked about it though because we’re really good friends.”
Gardiner signed an entry-level contract with the Leafs that following March and left Wisconsin after his junior season, finishing the 2010/11 season with the Toronto Marlies.
This year, as a member of the Leafs, Gardiner has had some moderate success and for the most part surpassed the expectations put upon him at September’s training camp.
Schultz is still at Wisonsin playing out his junior year and again leads the nation in defencemen scoring with 1.60 points per game. He is still unsigned by the Ducks but by this spring it will be clear if he will go back for his senior year or not.
Although they aren’t bolstering the same blue line anymore, they stay in touch and even make plans when possible.
“I was actually talking to him a couple of days ago and I’m going to go back to Wisconsin for the All-Star break to see him and get some skating in,” said Gardiner. “It”s good working with him because we teach each other little things.”
Even though they are part of two different organizations, being just 21 years old, both should have lengthy NHL careers ahead of them; which leaves the door open for a potential reunion one day.
“We’ve joked around that someday, maybe we’ll play together again.”

KYLE CICERELLA

http://communities.sportsnet.ca/thread/91481

[Zizzzzy]

So I read an article on him yesterday and aparently SJ has filed tampering against leafs on this guy?

[Seer]

Personally..., I am all for it... The Badger team that Gardiner played on were a force to be reckoned with...! Having Schultz & Gards together again would only speed up improvement on the D-line, as they both read each other & know each other's moves very well...

I was wishing for trades that could bring Derek Stepan, Jamie McBain (and possibly a couple of others) here too, as they also played with Gardiner...

[Zizzzzy]

Curious if Jake trying to convince his buddy to sign with Toronto would be tampering or if thats only held to management.

One article made it sound that SJS was specifically filing against Leafs... where as another makes it sound like SJS is going after whoever he signs with since actions already spell out that he is not resigning with SJS

[RPaj]

Whats this SJS you speak of? he's not signing with the Ducks, not the sharks.

[Seer]

Curious if Jake trying to convince his buddy to sign with Toronto would be tampering or if thats only held to management.

One article made it sound that SJS was specifically filing against Leafs... where as another makes it sound like SJS is going after whoever he signs with since actions already spell out that he is not resigning with SJS

I can't see what two friends having a private conversation about things has anything legal to do with anything, Ziz...? Management would be a different story...

Thought that this was a good, quick read about it all --> http://www.hockeybuz...chultz/45/44651

[metallicarocks65]

It would a great combo to give a chance for sure....I guess we will all have to wait and see how it plays out.

[H-B-C-Y-G]

Curious if Jake trying to convince his buddy to sign with Toronto would be tampering or if thats only held to management.

One article made it sound that SJS was specifically filing against Leafs... where as another makes it sound like SJS is going after whoever he signs with since actions already spell out that he is not resigning with SJS

I'm not 100% sure, but Anaheim would have to prove that the Leafs were specifically using Gardiner as an agent to negotiate a contract with Schultz ahead of time (if Gardiner being best buds with Schultz is the reason they are filing their charges).

They can't fine the Leafs just because Gardiner has talked to Schultz with them being pals and all.

I also don't see Burke or management tampering with someone from Anaheim after what he went through with the whole Penner deal ("Lowe should have at least called, etc" and so on), nor a team he happens to have a good working relationship with.

Sounds like sour grapes on the surface of everything so far....

[racer888]

I would think we have to wait and see if we even get him first

[H-B-C-Y-G]

I would think we have to wait and see if we even get him first

Anaheim could file tampering charges either way. Remember when the Canucks said they were tampering with the Sedins?

[racer888]

Anaheim could file tampering charges either way. Remember when the Canucks said they were tampering with the Sedins?

True but if he is worth it. Do the deed pay the price and move on. Go Leafs Go

[Seer]

Honestly.... I think that Anaheim just have their knickers in a knot about trading Gardiner away... and the fact that Schultz hasn't signed yet has them worried...

H-B... is right... Just someone blowing smoke rings up an orifice, because they realize they could be loosing another future player... I doubt very much that Burke is doing anything illegal here...

I hope that Gards keeps talking to his friends from the Badgers old team, because I would welcome them here.. Burke just has to wait until the signing time has passed... and then make his move...

[stealthelementz]

Anaheim could file tampering charges either way. Remember when the Canucks said they were tampering with the Sedins?

I just don't see them having a case. Players train with players from other teams over the summer all the time. Nobody had a problem with Gary Roberts training and working with players from other organizations. Over here in Hamilton McGratten and Bieska used to play on summer league teams together.. There's really no way to stop players from talking.. I really hope he does come here.

[Seer]

[H-B-C-Y-G]

I just don't see them having a case. Players train with players from other teams over the summer all the time. Nobody had a problem with Gary Roberts training and working with players from other organizations. Over here in Hamilton McGratten and Bieska used to play on summer league teams together.. There's really no way to stop players from talking.. I really hope he does come here.

I doubt they have a good case atm either (unless more info comes out later), but I'm just saying, even if Toronto doesn't sign him, if they were tampering, Anaheim could still go after the Leafs.

[Eukardios]

That mustache is . . . amazing.

~E~

[Seer]

That mustache is . . . amazing.

~E~

LOL! Yeah... I think I had one just like it, when I was in grade 7....

[Seer]

Earlier one, with Gardiner...

[howiegethere]

tampering charges are just that accusations that the league will have to investigate and rule on . Anaheim isn't happy about a 2nd round pick walking away for nothing so they willtry to get some compensation from the team that signs Shultz .
Pretty clear to me Anaheim should trade his rights if they can before he becomes a UFA since he doesn't want to sign with them .
Burke would be wise to try and reach a deal with Anaheim since if the league sees it as tampering they will order compensation and Burke will have little control over what that will be .

[H-B-C-Y-G]

tampering charges are just that accusations that the league will have to investigate and rule on . Anaheim isn't happy about a 2nd round pick walking away for nothing so they willtry to get some compensation from the team that signs Shultz .
Pretty clear to me Anaheim should trade his rights if they can before he becomes a UFA since he doesn't want to sign with them .
Burke would be wise to try and reach a deal with Anaheim since if the league sees it as tampering they will order compensation and Burke will have little control over what that will be .

I'd easily give them our 2nd rounder for him, but I'd start by offering them a 3rd round pick first given the circumstances of them having no bargaining power whatsoever.