Tomas Kaberle Leaves Boston Bruins: Why the Defense Is Better Without Him

Rich Lam/Getty Images

The Boston Bruins made a blockbuster trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season, acquiring defenseman Tomas Kaberle to help the power play unit.

As an offensive defenseman and one of the best "puck-moving" d-men in the league, Kaberle was supposed to help the Bruins offense flow more fluidly.

But Kaberle struggled mightily in Boston, and took a long time to get used to the very defensive system of coach Claude Julien.

As the playoffs progressed, however, Kaberle began to look comfortable in Boston and he was making fewer mistakes.

As the summer free-agency period began, it was clear Kaberle would not be back unless he was willing to take a pay cut. The Carolina Hurricanes offered him a good deal at $12.75 million over three years, which he accepted.

With Kaberle gone, let's look at how the Bruins defense should shape up next season.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist for Bleacher Report, and was the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals in Boston. Follow him on Twitter for Bruins news and analysis.

Joe Corvo Arrives from Carolina

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

After the Bruins let Tomas Kaberle leave to sign with the Carolina Hurricanes, it was quickly reported they had acquired Hurricanes defenseman Joe Corvo via trade with Carolina.

Corvo, like Kaberle, is an offensive defenseman who is a good puck mover. One of the things Corvo isn't afraid to do is shoot the puck, something Bruins fans wish Kaberle did more of in his time in Boston.

Corvo was ninth in the NHL last season among defenseman in shots taken, and also has a high percentage of shots that are on target.

He is also more physical than Kaberle, and is more willing to block shots.

Corvo will be a solid veteran presence on the Boston blue line, but will have to find a new number in Boston because number 77 is retired in honor of defenseman Ray Bourque.

Adam McQuaid Is Emerging as a Shutdown D-Man

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Last week the Bruins extended young defenseman Adam McQuaid's contract three years, starting at the beginning of the 2012-13 season.

It was a good move for the Bruins who were impressed by McQuaid's growth this season and his stellar play in the 2011 playoffs.

McQuaid is a physical player who has the ability to be a top defenseman on the Bruins, and should see time as a top 6 defenseman next season.

McQuaid is a young player who is able to play with any type of defenseman alongside of him, and is a key part of the Bruins future on defense.

Chemistry in the Defensive Pairings Is Not an Issue

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The Bruins have a solid amount of chemistry among their defensive pairings, and the departure of Tomas Kaberle may even help them develop more cohesion.

The top pairing of captain Zdeno Chara and Dennis Seidenberg is among the best pairs in the entire league, and after them the Bruins have a couple options for pairings two and three, but any combo would work well.

The Bruins have one new defenseman from last year who will play a good amount of minutes, Joe Corvo who was acquired from Carolina.

The Bruins have chosen not to make a major move to acquire a big time defenseman this offseason, and it's a smart move when you consider the young talent they already have at the position.

The Bruins Will Remain a Great Even Strength Team

Harry How/Getty Images

The Boston Bruins were the best 5 on 5 team in the NHL last season, leading the league with a 1.4 5v5 goals for/against ratio.

Boston is at its best when playing at even strength, and their discipline in staying out of the box to remain 5v5 will improve this season.

The Bruins are a smart defensive group who have trust in the forwards to help out if needed. 

Coach Julien's defensive style of play always ensures that the forwards are helping back on defense to make sure the defenseman aren't caught in a bad spot.