"As a member of one of the hottest teams in the NHL, Jake Gardiner has been audaciously making a good amount of noise with the Toronto Maple Leafs of late. With eight points in the 12 games since New Year's, Gardiner has clearly secured a top-four role on a roster bursting with talented and NHL-capable defensemen. And the rookie shows no signs of letting up in his current productive ways.

Seemingly encouraged to join in offensively at his own discretion, Gardiner displays a great deal of maturity and sense of discipline for being only 21 years old. The resulting adult-like confidence is a part of the reason general manager Brian Burke wanted the University of Wisconsin standout so badly as part of last season's deal with the Anaheim Ducks that also included forward Joffrey Lupul and a pick for Francois Beauchemin. A perceived favorite of coach Ron Wilson, Gardiner is adapting splendidly so far.

Admittedly, I was initially a bit worried about how the Minnesota native would fit in amongst the likes of Dion Phaneuf, John-Michael Liles, Cody Franson, Luke Schenn, Carl Gunnarsson, Mike Komisarek and Keith Aulie (not to mention cherished prospect Korbinian Holzer). But Gardiner has simply beat out a healthy and richly paid Komisarek (press box) and Aulie (AHL Marlies) for the right to heavy minutes each and every night. Even if Burke swings a much-anticipated deal sending a blueliner like Schenn or Gunnarsson out of town, Gardiner's power-play role and anticipated production shouldn't change."