Tomas Kaberle: Toronto Maple Leafs' Star Needs To Be Traded Now

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Tomas Kaberle appear to be in a very awkward situation today, according to a report from pensionplanpuppets.com. 

According to an interview with Tomas's father, Frantisek Kaberle Sr. in the Czech hockey magazine Hokej, he is surprised that his son remains a Maple Leaf.

"I cannot imagine how he will get along with coach [Ron] Wilson, who relies primarily on stress and aggression," says Frantisek Kaberle, Sr.

This isn't the first time that someone has questioned Wilson's coaching style. Wilson can come off harshly with players and had an abrupt and sometimes rude approach when it comes to dealing with players.

Frantisek Kaberle, Sr. goes on to say that he can't see his son continuing to play for the Leafs until July 1. He believes the Leafs will trade his son, as there is only one last chance for the Leafs to get something in return for him.

"I can't see Tomas entering a new contract with Toronto. Not if Ron Wilson continues to be employed there," says Frantisek Kaberle, Sr.

Frantisek goes on to say that Tomas will probably quietly continue on with the Leafs and that he does enjoy Toronto, both the club and the city. 

After the years of speculation and rumours about Tomas Kaberle, it is clear that now he needs to be traded. You can't have players or their family members speaking out against the head coach of the team. If he feels this way, he should have said it himself or chosen the higher ground of dealing with it behind closed doors in a professional way.

The defenseman now has made it clear—through his father—that he wants to be traded.

Leafs general manager Brian Burke can't fire Wilson to appease a player, nor can he really expect both of them to work together now that what was often speculated proves to be true. Burke is now left with a mess to clean up, that he could have cleaned up this past weekend if Tomas Kaberle had made his intentions clear.

Now the ball is in Tomas Kaberle and his agent's court as they get to name a list of teams to which he will accept a trade. Because what team won't want a player who gets his family to speak for him about how he dislikes his coach?

If Tomas Kaberle's value was in question before August 15, what about after August 20?

At least Tomas Kaberle still likes the city of Toronto and the hockey club, just not enough to be honest with the club, the media and the fans.