The Kaberle Question

There does seem to be some uncertainty surrounding the Leafs and defenceman Tomas Kaberle.

Kaberle seemed to indicate earlier today that he had an arrangement with GM Brian Burke that he would look at any trade offers that came the Leafs' way for his services.

But that, apparently, came as news to the Leafs, who have not asked Kaberle to waive his no-trade or been given a list of team to which he would accept a deal.

Kaberle probably won't move today. But it's hard to believe he'll be a Leaf beyond June.

Buffalo, by the way, has just acquired Raffi Torres from Columbus for a little extra sandpaper up front. That's 13 trades on the day.

Comments

[snacker]

Not sure why Kaberle wants to stay. I'm starting to question his desire to play the game...seems as though he'd almost rather miss the playoffs and go home early rather than battle it out for a cup. I'm very surprised that Vancouver and the Caps didn't make a big push for him (they might well have) - and more surprised that Kaberle wouldn't atleast consider these options...could have given the Leafs some good chips to build with moving forward. They might not win another game all season if they keep playing like they did last night...who wants to be a part of that?

[Rick Pierce]

Hmmm. Maybe Sutter has a better coach than ol' bombast and bs, Ron Wilson.

[David Ferguson]

Still think Kessel is a huge mistake. Doesn't pass well, doesn't backcheck and hasn't won a battle for a loose puck since he's been here.

With no-one left to score on the current roster we'll probably end up behind Edmonton......look at the contributions of Tavares and Stamkos.

[Ritter]

Perhaps Kaberle likes Toronto. Perhaps he wants to be a part of the rebuild. Perhaps he beleives in what Burke is doing.

[David]

Yesterday was described as a sellers market, it would have been good if Burke had of been up to speed on what he had to sell.

[Joe L]

I do not understand why we are still talking about this,, Kaberle has a No Trade Contract!!! Burke says he will honour it (he is a lawyer and understands that contracts just that , a binding agreement between 2 parties that is not to be broken)Let's move on

[Belligerent Burkie]

While I do think that Kaberle will no longer be a Leaf by the end of July at the latest, I wouldn't be opposed to him staying if he is willing to sign a reasonable extension. If we can sign him for another 4 years around the same price tag, I think Burke would be foolish not to do it; unless an offer comes along for Kaberle that he just can't refuse.

[Chris]

Kaberle will be traded at the draft. Burke needs to do one of two things and I'm sure he knows it. He either needs to use Kaberle in some kind of trade for a good young centre like Nathan Horton or Jeff Carter (obviously barring a willing trade partner and a sensible trade) OR get a first round pick and a top prospect which is entirely his market value. The surplus of defencemen is not necessary on a re-building team and although they won't have a true puck mover with Kabby gone, they are still years away from contending and can worry about getting a puck mover then. In the meantime, Burke has to continue the trend of acquiring good young players and prospects 25 or under. A 32 year old puck moving in his prime and among the top five in points for NHL defencemen at a 4.2 mil cap hit is an absolute gem for a contending team but doesn't have the same place on a re-building team. If Burke gets a good young centre like Horton or Carter OR gets a top prospect and first rounder it will redeem the Kessel deal.