Gardiner cleared to play after missing entire 2021-22 season

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jake Gardiner has been physically cleared to play next season after missing the entire 2021-22 campaign, general manager Don Waddell said Thursday.

Gardiner had surgery on his back and hips, and the team placed him on long-term injured reserve as a result. The 31-year-old was only able to play in 26 contests last season due to the lingering ailments.

Carolina signed Gardiner to a four-year, $16.2-million contract in 2019. After spending the first eight seasons of his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, he's registered 32 points in 94 games for the Hurricanes while averaging over 16 minutes per contest.

The Hurricanes have four free-agent defensemen to address this offseason. Tony DeAngelo and Ethan Bear are restricted, while Brendan Smith and Ian Cole are set to hit the open market.

Carolina's season ended Monday with a Game 7 loss on home ice to the New York Rangers in Round 2.

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