Report: Gardiner negotiating with hated Leafs rival

There seems like little doubt that Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner is about to be squeezed out due to a HUGE cap crunch in Toronto this offseason. The pending free agent will simply command too high of a salary for Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas to retain his services.

So, where will Gardiner end up? How does Montreal sound to you, Leafs fans?

Say what!?

According to a report from french-language sports radio station 98.5 Sports in Montreal, Quebec, Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin has reportedly already had discussions with Gardiner during the league’s week long “exploratory period.”

Check it out:

"The Canadiens are among the teams that have had discussions with Defender Jake Gardiner, according to what 98.5 Sports has learned."

Wow… wouldn’t that shake up an age old rivalry!?

The 28 year old, smooth skating blueliner is likely looking at a deal in the $7-8 million salary range on a long-term deal. He put up just three goals and 30 points in 62 games last season but was hampered by a nagging back injury. He put up a career high 52 points just a season earlier.