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NHL Rumors: 5 best fits for Jake Gardiner in NHL free agency

By Simon Vacca

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 20: Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner #51 returns to the locker room at an NHL game against the Florida Panthers at the Scotiabank Arena on December 20, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 20: Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner #51 returns to the locker room at an NHL game against the Florida Panthers at the Scotiabank Arena on December 20, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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MONTREAL, QC – APRIL 06: Ryan Poehling #25 of the Montreal Canadiens pokes the puck away from Jake Gardiner #51 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during the NHL game at the Bell Centre on April 6, 2019 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC – APRIL 06: Ryan Poehling #25 of the Montreal Canadiens pokes the puck away from Jake Gardiner #51 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during the NHL game at the Bell Centre on April 6, 2019 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

1. Montréal Canadiens

Current defensive core: Shea Weber, Jeff Petry, Karl Alzner, Brett Kulak, Mike Reilly, Noah Juulsen, Christian Folin, Victor Mete

Why a move makes sense: The Canadiens are an organization that has managed to turn the tables of late, trending up when the thought of momentum shifting downward seemed inevitable just a matter of months ago. They have made key additions in areas that need fixing, with the sole exception being the club’s back end — particularly its left side.

Next. Toronto Maple Leafs -- 5 bold predictions for 2019-20 season. dark

Gardiner would serve as the much anticipated addition to a blue line that is lacking in left-shot talent. He is offensively aware and can provide defensive accountability when afforded second-pairing minutes — this in spite of examples abound of mistakes with regard to decision-making.

Expect a degree of resolution to be ushered forth — in the form of Gardiner or another piece — at some point soon.

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