Tomas Kaberle: Where Should He Punch His Ticket to?

Once this whole Ilya Kovalchuk storm blows over, Tomas Kaberle will become the most sought after player this off-season. GM Brian Burke has said there have been six teams that have given him an offer recently, but none of them were even worth considering. So where does that leave us? Exactly where we started.

With the six teams not known, I will give six new offers I believe are fair, and work for both teams.

Team 1: The Los Angeles Kings

Do they need Kaberle?:  With their youth on defense, they need some one to mentor them and Kaberle can do that.

The Offer: To Los Angeles— D Tomas Kaberle & C Mikhail Grabovski

               To Toronto— RW Justin Williams, RW Brandon Kozun, and a 2011 6th Round  draft pick.

Why it works: LA gets a top defensemen and a forward who can replace Williams' production. Toronto acquires a top forward in Williams who, though injury-prone, can play on our second line. Because Williams is injury-prone, I threw Kozun into the deal. Kozun has enjoyed a couple of good seasons playing for the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL.

Team 2: The Columbus Blue Jackets

Do they need Kaberle? Short Answer is yes.

The Offer: To Columbus— D Tomas Kaberle

              To Toronto— LW RJ Umberger & 2011 second round draft pick

Why it works: Toronto gets a serviceable second-liner who hasn't missed a game in two years. Columbus gets what they desperately need in a top defensemen.

Team 3: The St. Louis Blues

Do they need Kaberle? Not necessarily but with only five NHL defensemen on their roster, it wouldn't hurt acquiring Kaberle.

The Offer: To St. Louis— D Tomas Kaberle, RW Dale Mitchell & 2011 4th Round Draft Pick

               To Toronto—RW Brad Boyes & 2011 5th Round Draft Pick

Why it works: Kaberle could help St. Louis finally break into the playoffs consistently if he signs a extension. Toronto gets back a player they should never have got rid of in the first place.

Team 4: The Dallas Stars

Do they need Kaberle? When the biggest name on your team's defense is Stephane Robidas, there's a problem.

The Offer: To Dallas— D Tomas Kaberle & 2011 4th Round Draft Pick

               To Toronto— LW James Neal

Why it works: If Dallas' ownership wants to have a winning team, they must realize they need a better defense corps than what they have now. James Neal is a player that has been placed in rumors before and he's the only player in Dallas that Toronto might want.

Team 5: The San Jose Sharks

Do they need Kaberle? With Rob Blake's retirement, he needs a proper replacement now and not down the road.

The Offer: To San Jose— D Tomas Kaberle & 2011 fifth round draft pick

               To Toronto— LW Ryane Clowe, C Freddie Hamilton & 2011 sixth round draft pick.

Why it works: San Jose gets the replacement for Blake, while Toronto gets a second-liner now and a local kid who can actually play.

Team 6: The Buffalo Sabres

Do they need Kaberle? Buffalo could use a player of Kaberle's caliber after losing both Henrik Tallinder and Toni Lydman to free agency.

The Offer: To Buffalo— D Tomas Kaberle & C Mikhail Grabovski

               To Toronto— RW Jason Pominville & 2011 5th Round Draft Pick

Why it works: Kaberle goes to a team he might sign with long-term and Grabovski gets the change of scenery, which he desperately needs.

I think these trades are better than any offer Burke has gotten so far and I would be happy if any of the players coming to Toronto actually did.