Commenting Thread: So long, Tomas Kaberle

It's official.

At 1:51 p.m. today, Tomas Kaberle's long and dignified career with the Toronto Maple Leafs ended. The graceful defender is now en route to Boston in exchange for highly-touted prospect Joe Colborne, the Bruin's first-round pick in 2011 and a conditional second-round pick the following year.

Let the discussion begin...

Comments

[Boo Who?]

I don't have the heart to say 'goodbye' right now, so I'll just say: 'thank you'.

[hoofheartz]

Have to grasp the concept of having no Kaberle moving the puck up the ice. For the life of me, I can't see who's going to do it now.
VM: if you ever get to see Kabby, please pass on my well wishes for him. Maybe he'll come back as a UFA in July.

[palbo]

good-bye tomas - you always gave us your best and i wish you nothing but success as you move forward.

[waffles2010]

Thank you Tomas, for never shooting on the power play, for never taking the body in your own zone, for never taking a hit to make a play, for never talking to reporters as a veteran, and finally, for accepting a trade out of town.

[Alecia]

Discussion!? Words escape me. It's just tears.

Must get hands on tickets for Bruins vs Leafs in March. MUST.

[Blah Blah]

I can't believe he's gone. This just ruined my day...

[Peter]

Thank you for everything, Tomas. you were and are a classy invidual and a great player. good luck and every success!

[moe green]

Thank you Thomas:

- For selflessly passing instead of shooting

- For really wanting to stay in Toronto.

- For demonstrating that "team" meant more than money

- For never having a negative comment.

- For being ever cool and calm in your own zone

- For taking all of the BS (like the removal of the "A") with predictable class

Be prepared for a thunderous ovation and tear-jerking reunion when you appear next at ACC. We miss you already.

[moe green]

To be honest, I never felt this way about any other Leaf leaving. Not even Sundin. There are things more important than success.

That said, the deal was a good one. After all, he's still just a rental and could even return to the fold if the Bruins are unable to sign him.

[Manatee]

The list of goods and bads are very long and will never be agreed upon 100% by Leaf Fans. However, for a player that wore the blue and white for 12+ season...Mr. Kaberle you'll have my respect and my thanks.

[Kevin B]

Thank you Tomas Kaberle.

You helped form the deep bond I have for this team. My childhood was spent watching you help lead our team to two conference finals and stick with the team no matter what the situation.

You're a class act and I hope you'll suit up for the Leafs once again.

[waffles2010]

Leaf fans, this just in. The World Health Organization has declared," Blue and White disease has been eradicated from MLSE ". Rejoice, the plague of complacency is now over.

[Laura G]

Thanks for all the memories, Tomas! I became a Leafs fan twelve years ago, when you first joined the team. You've been one of my favourites ever since. You were the Leafs security blanket and we could always depend on you.

All the best to Tomas in Boston!

[palbo]

wow waffles .. i often agree with you, but you've been a little bit classless with your posts of 3:11 and 3:47

[Becky]

I'm so sad :( they will never be able to replace him. I hope the difference isnt too obvious against Ottawa on Sat. He will be missed. They should have kept him.

[hoofheartz]

Thanks for your negativity waffles.

[The 5th Line Centre]

As much as I will miss Kaberle, the timing seems right. By the time the Leafs are cup contenders he will be to old. So long Kabby.
On the bright side this may get the powerplay moving. After all, all Kabby would do was stand still right in the prime shooting locations, maybe who ever takes over will work a more active point.
And then the pick+top prospect, with a possible 2nd rounder as well. Great Deal Burke, keep it up.

[moe green]

Yeah I gotta agree: I never thought Kabs was infected at all.

[moe green]

There was little sadness or regret when other players were purged. Steen, Colaiacovo, Stempniak, Stajan, Hagman, Ponikarovsky, Antropov, Sundin, McCabe, Versteeg, Domi, Tucker. Didn't even shed a tear. I wonder what that means?

[Rooney]

Did you know that Tomas has 157 power play assists in the NHL over the last six seasons? Puts only Joe Thornton and Sid the Kid ahead of him. Thank you, Tomas.

I have to say I am impressed that BB got a prospect, a first rounder and a conditional second. Considering the market value was set by the Fisher deal, who is a couple of years younger and still has two years on his contract. For Fisher, the Sens only got a first rounder and a conditional second.

Let's hope BB is not done and keeps the team moving forward this year. Tomas, get your Bruins to give it to those Sens tonight so the Buds can have some fun with a tired team tomorrow. Go Leafs Go!

[Leena]

Gonna miss you Kabby! You've been in every Leafs game I've ever watched. Can't imagine the Leafs without you.Leafs wont be the same without you

[sean]

Kaberle was a rarity: homegrown and drafted Leaf who spent his whole career here. At 32, he no longer fit with a rebuilding team. Thanks for recognizing that and, unlike Sundin, letting us get something for you.

[waffles2010]

@palbo. Wow I think that my criticisms of Kaberle are fair and accurate. You may not agree with them and you are certainly entitled to your opinion.
I will take a little offense to being called a little classless. I don't think that is very nice of you.
Kaberle, and his on again, off again, will he stay or will he go? Had become very tiring, I am absolutely sick of him as a player and the melodrama that has followed him for 3 years.
I see him exactly like I see Versteeg, someone who is interested in something other than winning the Cup. Whether it be having fun or the stability of being in Toronto.
As a Leaf fan, I want to see players in the Toronto uniform that are willing to do anything to win the Cup. Blocking shots, taking hits, shooting on the PP, anything to win, at all costs, the single most important thing must be winning.
I don't believe that he is willing to do whatever it takes to win.
Unlike some of the posters here, I am a Leaf fan. Not a Kaberle fan, not a Sundin fan or a Wendel fan.
I will not wish Kaberle well in Boston. The Leafs need to beat the Bruins to get to the Cup. If he succeeds there, they succeed, and the Leafs do not.
The name on the front of the sweater matters far more to me than the name on the back. I am a little sad today, that more of you do not feel the same way.

[palbo]

Does anyone know if there's going to be a presser and when it might be?

[waffles2010]

Presser at 4:30 Palbo.

[palbo]

thx waffles

[omar]

This deal had to be done. However, is it weird for me to be so sad about a player i grew up watching since i was 10?

Thank you kaberle for everything you have done for leafs fans. And thank you for beating those sens in 2002. It felt like it was just yesterday.

[TimB]

Well,I'm glad it's over.I don't remember this much outrage and whining when WENDEL got traded.I guess I'm more in the Waffles/Nik camp.You run a hockey club with your head not your heart.As Nik tried to say,better we get something than watch his inevitable departure anyway.I was never a huge Kaberle fan anyway.Good luck,Tomas.Go Leafs!

[Brian K]

Sucks that 15 is retired in Boston already.

[Momo]

A player with nothing but class and heart... Thank you thomas kaberle... I am sad how he was the one player out of the muskoka five that actually did what benefited the team. I am also sad to see him go and yet excited for the help hes brought and is bringing the team... I hope bruins make finals, and i hope Kabe resigns with leafs come july... now wouldnt that be awesome if it turns this team into a contender and kabe becomes our saviour :)

[moe green]

According to Burke, Kaberle asked for an extension and Burke refused. That means there is virtually no chance of Kaberle signing July 1st.

I wonder what kind of term Kabs was after. I suppose we'll never know. Oh well, spilled milk. I think Burke is being a little disingenuous with us regarding his intentions. A typical lawyer. Used semantics to deny the Boston rumours. To explain how he never asked Kaberle to waive and Kablerle never asked to be traded. Double talk. Tells us he hasn't given up on the playoffs. Nonsense. I guess Ottawa hasn't given up on the playoffs either. Tells us he's god the "third in play." What does that mean? Why just the third? Why the third pick period? Reminds me of Bush and Harper. Lying is okay as long as it serves the greater good. Lawyers!

[moe green]

God I love Kaberle but I hope the Bruins miss the playoffs or get eliminated in the first round. That's our future you are talking about.

[Browner_than_Mike_Brown]

Menon, I was a fan of you prior to discovering this Leaf's blog, but I have followed it ever since discovering it. You echo what we all feel.

I'm so glad and ready for a proper rebuild. Burke has been unleashed and I've neven been so pumped! His hand was forced, and he came up as efficient as possible.

[TimB]

@Browner_than_Mike_Brown. There's the attitude I want back on the blog.At work today Leaf fans were still gushing like school girls about the last two games.

[Momo]

@ moe - kaberle deal has a 2nd rounder conditional on kabe resigning boston or them making finals... i think id rather them make finals (assuming leafs arent there) and have that 2nd rounder next year, than wait on kabe to decide on boston... all for the best of this teams future :)

[Boo Who?]

TimB, Waffles et al - after seeing Burke's presser, I'm already feeling better about this trade (can't help but take a shine to Burke, he's a straight shooter). But please give people time to mourn and perhaps give some credit where it's due. Calling people 'whiners' and mocking them for feeling the loss of a long-term and very well respected player is NOT the attitude I think we need. I know you're just trying to lighten the mood, but try to understand where the grief is coming from, and respect the fact that it's real. We're all entitled to our opinions here, so for just one day, it'd be nice to air them without having someone make light of them.

[TimB]

@Boo Who? If you read all the comments,you will see that we,the minority,seem to be labeled less than fans for ignoring "all" that Kaberle is done.If I might speak for the minority,we looked at pros and cons and do not feel Kaberle fits the team we would like to ice.Can we then make this a mourning thread and start another for those of us still high from the two great wins?

[TimB]

There's no crying in hockey.

[Browner_than_Mike_Brown]

I'd say I measure a man by gusto and willingness to change his approach when things aren't working according according to his original approach. Many would argue Burke was a stubborn character in his ways. After watching his latest press conference, I'm convinced, this is the captain we need. He's a straight shooter, and ALWAYS GIVES CREDIT WHERE ITS DUE, constantly crediting those that had any impact in his moves, drafting etc. The last 2 week's transactions show his willingness to swallow his pride to do what is right for the organization. Thats is all I will ever ask for.

PS: This blog is one of the most refreshing of all Toronto sports media I've encountered over the years. It's balanced with wit, pragmatism, silliness, entertainment and genuine patriotism yet reflection at the same time, and that is a result of both its author and contributors. Keep this blog alive for the rest of my existence. Salud!

[TimB]

@Browner_than_Mike_Brown. This blog is completely unique.Very friendly,other than Boo-Berry attacking Waffles,Nik and myself for not being in touch with our feminine side.

[Boo Who?]

@TimB - I'm not seeing where anyone above questioned the fact that you're a Leafs fan, so I'm not understanding where the venom is coming from? And yes, there is no crying in hockey. But even tough guys get the blues and that's not a crime. :) This is a discussion thread about the departure of a player we all feel strongly about, one way or another. So if you want to celebrate, by all means, celebrate. It's great you're feeling pumped and positive, and we all want to be there with you. You just can't realistically expect people to join you when the shock and uncertainty of what all this means is still so fresh. Everyone is different and they process things at their own speed. You do your thing and let other people do theirs. Deal?

[Michael C. Nemirsky]

Today is a day all leaf fans will remember for years and years. Thank you Tomas for your unselfish acceptance of this trade. Your loyalty and passion as a member of the leafs will forever be held in the highest esteem of this 50+ year fan. The class and prestige you presented yourself over the 12 years of service will not be forgotten. That being said, I do believe the trade was unavoidable and your acceptance will without doubt make the leafs stronger in the future. The return BB got was far more than any hockey fan could have dreamed. Although highly unlikely, come July 1st, you would be welcomed back with open arms. Best of luck Tomas, and again, thank you for the many years of memories and service you have blessed leaf nation with.

[Ken Baumgartner]

Kaberle will be missed but it was a good trade.
I guess I never felt the love for Kaberle as many of you folks. I liked his game and he is definately a to drawer guy with a ton of class and never complained, I think he brought a lot to the table even though that hit affected him and he was not the same player after that. Had that hit not happened he could have been unbelievale.

Honestly I was good if he stayed or if he was traded. We got good assets by trading him and if we had kept him he was good.

See you soon Kabba! Good luck, but I am with Waffles, I hope we kick your butt next game.

[TimB]

Bomber,I guess you have said it best.The reaction to a player that just did not impact this team the way others have,really amazes me.As I always say,"the opinions expressed in my posts are not necessarily those of the blog or any sane person for that matter."OK,I don't always say that but maybe I should. One,two,Sens we're coming for you.

[TimB]

Three,four,Reimer locks the door.(sung by spooky children skipping)

[Johnny Boy]

You can never take away from the loyalty Kaberle's had for this team, for this city and for that I will forever be grateful. But what most Leafs fans want is for a player to play with heart....HEART! Kaberle played with talent. We are hardest on players who lack the ability to play with heart and talent. Gilmour, Clark, etc, etc, these are the kinds of players that are remembered for playing with both. Kaberle just never seemed to be ALL there. It was the same with Sundin. So will I miss Kaberle's talent...yes, but I'd rather a player with less talent and more heart.
Good Luck Kab's

[23Surreal]

wish we could've kept him

[leafland'r]

An interesting post trade perspective comes from Kaberle while being interviewed prior to tonight's game. He indicated that he wanted to stay in Toronto but nothing could be worked out. He didn't insist on staying 'cause he didn't want to appear as a player who left the Leafs with nothing. Maybe I interpreted it wrong, but it seemed he would have prefered to have an extension.
Btw, I came on here looking for Nik's elation. Guess he must be watching Kaberle's skills in the Boston/Ottawa game on TSN.

[Robert]

@moe= Burky took the low road. Kaberle gave him an out. Burke and Wilson said a long time ago, this guy has got to go. Wilson didn't like Tomas. Tomas's father said this at training camp. Who on the Leaf defence is better than Kaberle?
Certainly not Dion, then who?
I fear we are in for a prolonged relapse, compounded by an immediate desire to play better and chase a playoff spot, as opposed to staying the course and ensuring that we do a proper rebuild. I do not trust either Bryan Burke or Ron Wilson. I frankly don't believe they have either the talent or the long range fortitude to make this work. It won't happen with NCAA retreads. It will happen with good coaching and developing prospects and picks. Perhaps Dallas Eakin will get the call!

[Mambosun]

That "A" should--no--NEEDS TO to go on Armstrong's sweater.

[Lasogga]

We did get a good return, but I am sentimental for Kabby.Was the last leaf that was still here from my time in Toronto.Wish him all the best!

[gettingcozywithsarkozy]

ahhh... late to the party again, haven't been current since thrusday, so, here goes: NO, KABBY!!!!! I remember his first game back in October of '98 a 2-1 win against the wings, he impressed from the start! You will be missed Tomas, our last link to the past! Won't be easy to replace and maybe never will be, but so long and farewell!!