NHL: Looking at the Boston Bruins' Other Deal that Helped Land Tomas Kaberle

With the Internet currently buzzing about the news that Tomas Kaberle has been traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Boston Bruins for prospect Joe Colborne, the Bruins' first round draft choice in the upcoming 2011 NHL Entry Draft and a conditional draft choice, I decided to take a look at another deal made by the B's today,which was the final move in getting Kaberle to Boston.

Boston Gets:

Rich Peverley

Boris Valabik

Atlanta Gets:

 Mark Stuart

Blake Wheeler

The basic idea here is the Bruins made this move to clear salary space for when Kaberle joined the team.

Whilst also shedding cap, Boston has gotten an excellent return.

The B's have rid themselves of the under-performing Blake Wheeler and his cap hit of $2.2 million, as the recent arrival of the Senators' Chris Kelly has meant Wheeler has become expendable.

They also shipped out Mark Stuart to make room on the blue line for newcomer Kaberle.

In all, Boston has rid itself of $3.875 million off the cap to accommodate Kaberle's $4.25 million cap hit.

The team's production shouldn't suffer either, as Kelly's 22 points this year should be enough to replace Wheeler's 27, whilst Stuart only had five points this year in 31 games.

Atlanta also benefits in this deal as well.

Stuart could replace either Ron Hainsey or Brent Sopel for bottom two minutes or be the Thrashers' seventh defenseman.

Stuart will be a nifty addition to help the depth of Atlanta's bluemen, while Blake Wheeler should be able to play Top nine minutes for the club.

With increased playing time, Wheeler could finally live up to the potential (50-60 points) that saw the Phoenix Coyotes draft him fifth overall in 2004.

In return, Boston receives Rich Peverley who has 34 points this year and who will probably find himself a nice niche on the third line.

Boris Valabik is a throw-in, as he has been playing in the AHL this season and will likely continue his stint, despite the move to Beantown.

Looking at the deal, Peverley is an excellent addition to the team with his current production and should definitely find time up and down the roster.

He also has a small cap hit of $1.325 million, which is very manageable.

After both trades have been completed, the Bruins are spending nearly $60 million in salaries, so either another trade or a player being sent down to Providence is likely.

Possible candidates include Zach Hamill, Gregory Campbell, Daniel Paille or new boy, Peverley.

Overall this is a very smart deal for both teams, as Boston gets to shed salary and the Thrashers receive a top six forward who should help boost production from a team lacking offense from its forwards.

Also, am I the only one who is glad to see the Tomas Kaberle drama over? 

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