Carolina Hurricanes: This is the season for Jake Gardiner

Can Carolina Hurricanes defender Jake Gardiner have an excellent season?

The Minnesota native is a strong candidate to watch for a bounce-back season after a subpar opening season for the Carolina Hurricanes.

Yes, I possess one of the more positive views than most of the fanbase when it comes to Jake Gardiner. I am well aware that I am one of the few who sees his benefits and thinks that they far outweigh the drawbacks. But I think I am more than justified in suggesting that this is a make or break season for the defenseman. He will be looking to have a more positive defensive season than last year.

I’m sure I don’t need to talk about Gardiner’s offensive upside. He mustered 4 goals and 24 points in 68 games last year. While those are down from his high standards, it still puts him above so many players in terms of production. Plus, with Gardiner getting actual powerplay time so far in training camp, he may be able to show more of an offensive threat in superior situations.

He generates so many chances that it isn’t funny. Unfortunately, they aren’t always at the right end. He will need someone who is capable defensively as a partner. Which is something Carolina has in spades. Gardiner, if all goes well, should produce 35-45 points. He is a genuine defensive play driver with the puck. While I may seem like I view him through rose-tinted glasses, stats back it up.

He generates more than 200 shot attempts than he gives up, and has a Corsi percentage of 55.6% so far in his Carolina career. I know you’re thinking “so why was he awful”? Well, when he was on the ice, goaltenders had an average save percentage of 0.890. The team also shot at 6% and it ended up with the team only scoring 32 goals with him on the ice. He was not the problem, it was just a perfect storm around him.

So we know you can reasonably expect an upshift in his offense. What about defensively? Well… that part of the game doesn’t come so easy for this player. His ability to move the puck out of the zone with stretch passes is second to none. His ability to win the puck back is lackluster on the best of days. I can’t sugar coat it. He’s going to need babysitting and shielding.

Last season he started 56% of his shifts in the offensive zone and still was a defensive issue. He was on the ice for 53 goals against (at even strength) and it raises a lot of questions. Unlike his offensive output, this number is perfectly in line with the rest of the stats from his career so far. I wouldn’t expect this aspect of Jake Gardiner to change.

So, you’re probably wondering at this point “well, how is his offense getting better? Everything is basically the same going into the season” and that is a very fair question. But it’s not the same.

If you really think the captain is going to have less than 25 points again, and that no bottom 9 forward will pass 40 points, I would like to think you are much mistaken. Gardiner also finished the regular season with 5 points in 2 games.

More from Cardiac Cane

• 2023 Southeast Rookie Showcase: Takeaways from the Canes’ Strong Showing in Florida
• Week Two Coverage Of College Hockey In NC
• Derek Stepan Ends His On Ice Career As A Hurricane
• The Southeast Rookie Showcase Will Be a Good Look at Carolina’s Future
• Noesen Ready To Provide Depth For Canes

Plus, with the team being so young, another year of development will help them find the net more. In addition to Vincent Trocheck having a full year, Nino Niederreiter not having an abysmal year, and Ryan Dzingel remembering what a net looks like, then you’ll see Gardiner find some more scoring. I say this with no disrespect intended to any of the players in question.

We’re going to see Gardiner have a better year this year. If he can iron out any of his defensive woes, or play with someone who can cover them up, Gardiner could very well become a bonified member of the Canes top 4 for the long term. Especially with the Seattle expansion draft coming up, a good season from Jake could make all the difference for that as well as the events of the regular season.

Question for CC Readers: How much of an improvement do you expect from Jake this season?