Gardner’s WHL rookie season was electric. In 2023-2024 he posted a 21-5-0 record with a 1.91 GAA and .927 save percentage, which led the WHL in both marks. His follow-up campaign still saw him finish in the top-ten in both rate stats with a 23-15-3 record and 2.82 and .911 line.

Gardner signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 18, 2025.

The Columbus Blue Jackets drafted Gardner in the second round (60th overall) in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.

Garner will head to the AHL this fall and work on developing his game at the professional level. The Blue Jackets have Merzlikins and Jet Greaves at the NHL level, and just traded for Ivan Fedotov from the Philadelphia Flyers.

As a budding contender with great pieces at every position, the Blue Jackets have needed to sort out their goaltending situation for a while, and now have a three-headed monster to fight for the NHL crease. As such, there’s no need to rush Gardner.

Keep an eye on his performance in the AHL, as he is one trade or contract expiry away from contending for at least the NHL backup job.