March 15, 2011

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin junior defenseman Jake Gardiner signed a three-year entry-level contract with the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, forgoing his senior season at the University of Wisconsin.

The nation’s second-leading scorer on the blue line behind UW defensive partner Justin Schultz, Gardiner was a second-team All-WCHA pick this season. One of five defensemen in the country with at least 10 goals this year, he finished second on the Badgers with a plus-21 rating and third on the team with 41 points.

The 2009 WCHA All-Rookie Team member was originally drafted by the Anaheim Ducks as the 17th overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. His rights were dealt prior to the NHL trade deadline on Feb. 9 to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The 6-2, 193-pound defenseman won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship, playing alongside then-Badger teammates Derek Stepan and John Ramage.

Gardiner will report to the Toronto Marlies, the Maple Leafs AHL affiliate, for the duration of the season. Former Badger defenseman Josh Engle skates for the Marlies.

The Minnetonka, Minn., native finishes his Badger career with 19 goals, 56 assists, 75 points and a plus-50 in 121 games played.