Komisarek Gone

A tough blow to end a tough first season in Toronto.

The Maple Leafs have announced defenceman Mike Komisarek will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery, ending his dreams of playing in the Vancouver Olympics, as well.

Komisarek was signed to a five-year, $22.5 million contract as an unrestricted free agent last summer and has struggled through a difficult year, including injuries and struggles with consistency and puck errors. 

Komisarek, 28, has played in only 34 games and has been out since Jan. 2.

The loss of Komisarek probably makes it less likely the Leafs will try to move either Tomas Kaberle or Grant Garnet Exelby before the deadine. Exelby has demanded a trade, while Kaberle has a no-trade clause in his contract and would have to approve any deal.

Komisarek is the second veteran Leaf defenceman to be lost for the year. Mike Van Ryn didn't even play a game before being forced to undergo knee surgery. He's an unrestricted free agent in July and his future in Toronto is at best cloudy.

Comments

[m d'ailleurs]

If Van Ryn,could play again, I'd like to see him back.When healthy he's a good reliable D. I prefer him to Finger. Komisarek's injury is less critical with Phaneuf's arrival.

[James Jack]

Was Komisarek injured last years with his shoulder? Is this looking like a possible major problem (like Van Ryn's knee?

[Kevin]

One word: Karma

[Leon]

Damien, does this mean the Leafs now have more cap space to absorb salary in a trade?

[nugentmania]

James...yeah, Komisarek missed 16 games last year after a fight with Milan Lucic. Shoulder problems are often chronic, terrible news for a physical defenseman. Eventually I'd say he'll have to start playing within these limitations, playing less physical and focusing more on positioning and a safe game. Think Sean O'Donnell. Not really the upside you want for 5 million per, but it is what it is. Let Phaneuf and Schenn do the thumping. On the plus side, this absence is long enough for the ML to get some salary cap relief for Komisarek, which means 1/3 of his salary this year won't go against their cap this year, which at his pay means the Leafs now have an extra 1.66 million in "parking space" they can use at the deadline, like they did with Tampa Bay last year.

[Geoff Read]

Van Ryn is gone. Burke has no time for guys who are oft-injured.

As a Habs fan I've watched Komisarek a lot over the years. He's a competitor and can dish some big hits. But he's really only had one great season - 2 (3?) years ago with Andrei Markov. Other than that he's always been a bit erratic. He gets caught out of position trying to make the big hit, he handles the puck like it's a ticking time bomb, and he has zero offensive upside. So, on the whole, I've gotta say Burke overpaid for this guy and Gainey made the right call letting him go.

[Duper]

I'm glad Komisarek is having surgery now instead of waitng and trying to show he is someone who doesn't quit. He will not be tempted to come back to soon, and should be totally fit for next year. I can't see the Leafs bring back Van Ryn even if they trade Kaberle.