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NHL free agency: 5 teams who should sign Jake Gardiner

By Dave Stevenson

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 21: Toronto Maple Leafs Defenceman Jake Gardiner (51) in warmups prior to the regular season NHL game between the Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs on February 21, 2019 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON. (Photo by Gerry Angus/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 21: Toronto Maple Leafs Defenceman Jake Gardiner (51) in warmups prior to the regular season NHL game between the Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs on February 21, 2019 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON. (Photo by Gerry Angus/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Nick Turchiaro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images /

With Erik Karlsson and Alexander Edler off the market, Jake Gardiner is the best defensemen available in NHL free agency in 2019. Let’s take a look at his five most likely suitors.

The 2019 NHL free agency market for defensemen got cold fast. At first, it seemed like both Erik Karlsson and Alexander Edler could be on the market, along with Jake Gardiner. Now, only Gardiner will be on the market. By a wide margin, he’ll be the best blueliner available on the free agent market.

Yes, this means Gardiner is almost indefinitely going to get overpaid. However, let’s look at the facts. Gardiner has played over 20 minutes per night for most of his career. He’ll be turning 29 very shortly (on July 4, to be precise). Gardiner has at least 30 points in each of his last four seasons.

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Teams looking to improve their defense aren’t going to have many places to turn. This is great for Gardiner, as it should ensure he gets the long-term deal he wants despite the fact that he’s about to turn 29.

He will have to answer for his injury issues in 2018-19, though it appears he is over them. Let’s take a look at five teams who should pursue the former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman in free agency.

5. Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings are a darkhorse candidate to sign Gardiner. On paper, the fit doesn’t make too much sense. Why would Gardiner sign with a rebuilding team? However, general manager Steve Yzerman knows how to build a winner, so he could talk him into coming to the Motor City.

Currently, the Red Wings only have one defenseman on their roster signed past the 2019-20 season – Danny DeKeyser. Obviously, guys like Dennis Cholowski and Filip Hronek are going to play big roles for the Red Wings. But still, you need to bring in some veteran guys. Gardiner, if the Red Wings are willing to pay the price, would make sense in Detroit.

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