Rumor: UFA Jake Gardiner deciding between 3 teams

When Jake Gardiner circled this summer on his calendar for a time to cash-in during free agency, he had no idea it would end up like this. It appears, however, he's getting closer to the finish line.

The unrestricted free agent defenseman, finished last season with the Maple Leafs and recorded 30 points, in what could be considered a down year, as he ended the year before with a career high 52 points. With the right opportunity, the American D-Man is capable of putting up 50 plus points on a consistent basis.

With a lingering back injury throughout the second half of the season and into the playoffs, Gardiner hasn't had the most ideal off season. He wasn't able to train early on, and is just now ramping it up on the ice, and it appears this may have scared some teams off.

Gardiner isn't too worried about it, and has been listening to the offers that have been coming in, and sources indicate the offers are anywhere from a 1 year deal to a 3 year deal. Gardiner has been in talks with over 8 teams, and it appears he's seriously considering a few, including:
1. Montreal Canadiens
2. Arizona Coyotes
3. And yes, returning to the Maple Leafs on a short termed deal. If the season begins and Mitch Marner isn't signed, expect Leafs GM, Kyle Dubas to get creative and Gardiner's name keeps coming up

Where do you think the crafty offensive defenseman ends up? Would you risk it and give him a multi-year deal?

Hang on, the next few weeks are going to be interesting.