Mike Komisarek: Will He Be Moved?

When Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke snagged 6’4”, 243 pound defenseman Mike Komisarek away from the Montreal Canadiens two summers ago, it was widely felt that Burke did so in an effort to bring in more physicality and provide his lineup with a defensive specialist.

Heck, there was plenty of talk about selecting the abrasive Komisarek as the Maple Leafs new captain last season—a debate that quickly ended when Dion Phaneuf was acquired from the Calgary Flames.

The 2009-10 season was all but a waste of time for Komisarek. Injury riddled and disconnected from the club, Komisarek was but a footnote last season, playing in just 34 games, registering four assists and finishing with a plus/minus rating of -9.

Healthy and motivated to show Burke that the $4.5 million he will earn for the next three seasons is warranted, Komisarek showed up in tremendous shape at training camp and, while he didn’t really stand out, showed that he could be a physical player capable of shutting down opposing forwards.

Not known for his offense, Komisarek has already scored his first goal of the 2010-11 season, adding two assists for three points in his first four games.

With Komisarek seemingly “back” and with so much debate surrounding the Leafs blueline—who should stay, who should go? one wonders if, eventually, Burke will look to send Komisarek packing if/when an elite top-six forward becomes available?

As good as Komisarek has been, he is playing on the Leafs third defensive pairing.

Given his $4.5 million salary, it hard to believe that Burke wants to spend that much coin on a stay-at-home defenseman—especially when you consider Komisarek has three years left on his deal.

With the Maple Leafs doing as well as they have to start the season, there is no reason to talk about trading anybody.

That said, when the trade deadline rolls around and the Maple Leafs are in the position to add a few players to make a strong playoff run, don’t be surprised if Komisarek’s name starts to pop up.