Tomas Kaberle to Brian Burke: It's Either Me Or Wilson, Take Your Pick!

In a surprising development from the Tomas Kaberle camp, the star defenceman has told the Leafs that he will not resign with the Maple Leafs if Ron Wilson is the coach next season.

After a terrible 2009-10 season which saw the Leafs finish second-to-last in the entire NHL, it's really no surprise that a veteran like Tomas Kaberle would have issues with bringing back a coach who has lost many hockey games in his tenure with the Leafs.

According to Kaberle's father Frantisek Kaberle Sr., who decided to leak this news to Czech hockey magazine Hokej, the defenceman will not play the whole season in a Leafs uniform, if at all, even though a no-trade clause kicked in on August 16th.

"I think that during the course of the year he will be traded to another club," Kaberle said. "There is only one chance for Toronto to get something back in return for Tomas now. In my opinion, I can't see Tomas entering a new contract with Toronto. Not if Ron Wilson continues to be employed there."

For a deal to happen, the defenceman would have to tell the team which clubs he would allow a trade to. In the meantime, Kaberle's father expects his son to remain quiet on all the potential trade talk.

"I think that Tomas won't even comment on (trade possibilities) anymore.", the elder Kaberle said. "He is content in Toronto with both the club and the city.

"I still think though that some change would be welcomed."

Kaberle remains the Leafs' best trade chip, but after news of this came out, it will hurt his trade stock, much like what happened in the Vince Carter fiasco. Vince quit on the Raptors and their fans, but also demanded a trade.  Though once a top 10 player in the league, he was traded for Aaron Williams, Eric Williams, Alonzo Mourning—who didn't bother showing up—and two first-round draft picks (that turned out to be flops).

Hindsight is 20/20, but the reality of the situation is Burke would've probably been better off trading Kaberle in that trade window he had. Now with this news coming out, I truly believe Burke will have to lower his demands and settle for whatever a team is willing to give up.

It's a sad day for Leafs Nation once again. It seems like when something good is about to happen, something bad happens to offset it and leaves the team treading water, or even worse, sliding into the abyss.