Is Tomas Kaberle About To Get Sent Packing?

Written By: Mark “The Hard Hitter” Ritter

If you watched last night’s game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New Jersey Devils you saw a couple of things. First, Dion Phaneuf, Fredrick Sjostrom, and J.S. Giguere looked pretty darn good in Blue and White. Second, you watched one of the most expensive defense corps in the entire NHL hit the ice.

During the broadcast, Sportsnet NHL analyst Nick Kypreos made the comments that all of us were thinking—given the amount of cash the Leafs have wrapped up in their defense, someone has to go and, in Kypreos’ opinion, that defenseman is none other than Tomas Kaberle.

Through 57 games with the Leafs, Kaberle has registered five goals, adding 38 assists along the way. His 43 points ties him for third overall in scoring amongst NHL defenseman, making him a valuable commodity for many NHL teams, especially those looking to go far in the playoffs.

Kaberle is a puck moving defenseman that is also defensively sound. He is a valuable addition to any power play and he is capable of shutting down the toughest opponents.

A quiet, unassuming player, Kaberle has spent his entire career as a member of the Maple Leafs. Signed to a four-year, $17 million deal in 2007/'08, Kaberle made it a priority to include a no-trade clause in his contract, giving him the security he valued and, in the process, limiting the opportunity for the Leafs to trade him.

Last summer it was believed that the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs were close to making a deal that would have seen Kaberle move to Boston. You see, there is a small window of opportunity over the summer months that allow the Leafs to trade Kaberle, regardless of the no-trade clause.

With that in mind, Kypreos made the point that if Kaberle suspects he is the odd man out on Toronto’s blue line that he should consider approaching Leafs general manager Brian Burke with a list of teams that he was interested in playing for in an effort to avoid being traded in the summer to a team of Burke’s choice.

If Kaberle chooses to wait to be traded over the summer he will have no control over his destination. One would have to think that Kaberle would like to join a club that has a chance at a Stanley Cup right away. With that in mind, if Kaberle submitted a list to Burke he could control his destiny, joining a team that he felt had a good shot at a Cup.

The argument that Kaberle is the odd man out is something that I, myself, had alluded to earlier this week http://bleacherreport.com/articles/337505-ritters-rant-news-from-around-the-nhl. It is clear to everyone in hockey circles that the Leafs have way too much money committed to their defense and, in an effort to bring in more offense, the Leafs will likely need to trade a big chunk of salary off to another team.

In the case of Kaberle, most NHL general managers would be attracted to Kaberle’s contract. Kaberle’s deal will pay him $4.25 million through the 2010/'11 season, after which he will become an unrestricted free agent. At $4.25 million, Kaberle is considered a bargain, a cap-friendly all-star caliber defenseman that can be an impact player on your roster.

With that in mind, Kaberle should bring back a top line offensive forward and perhaps a draft pick as well.

If Kaberle were to waive his no-trade clause there will be plenty of interest from NHL teams. The Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers, Vancouver Canucks, and Washington Capitals, amongst others, would likely make a pitch for Kaberle, with a centre coming back to Toronto being a priority for Burke.

Burke has stated on countless occasions that he will not ask Kaberle to waive his no-trade clause. If Kaberle waits until the summer to consider his future, Burke would not have to ask Kaberle to waive his no-trade. In fact, he’d be well within his rights to deal him wherever he saw fit.

Is this a risk Kaberle wants to take? I think not…

Taking all of this into account, expect Brian Burke's Blackberry to be ringing off the hook in the coming weeks, with offers for Kaberle being communicated on the other end.

After the trade with the Calgary Flames and Anaheim Ducks, Burke said he was “open for business”; if Kaberle becomes available there will be long lineups outside the ACC, with hungry shoppers chomping at the bit to make a purchase.

Until next time,

Peace!