The Maple Leafs look to have moved to the top of the table when you look at teams looking for a top defensemen to make a run for the Stanley Cup next season, with Chris Pronger traded to the Flyers and Jay Bouwmeester's rights traded to Calgary the Leafs Tomas Kaberle is the next big meal ticket out there and gives Brian Burke a chance to play teams against one another to maximize the return he can get for Kaberle. Tomas Kaberle has great vision and at 31 would be a vital component where he can contribute to any top team he goes to. The problem if he stays in Toronto is that by the time the Leafs are competitive once again Kaberle could be 34 or 35 and would not garner the return that he will today and the Leafs would be wise to get a least one player in return that is an NHL ready player to add to their forward corps. The change of scene should help Kaberle since its been a long while since he has been part of any contending team, so now we take a look at who we feel will be in the hunt for Kaberle and what the Leafs may get in return.
Boston Bruins- The Leafs may now be able to get the Bruins RFA Phil Kessel straight up for Kaberle after backing out of the deal this weekend when the Bruins wanted the teams 1st Round pick.
Potential Trade- Tomas Kaberle for F-Phil Kessel.
San Jose Sharks- The Sharks have some interest in Kaberle and would look great on the beack end with Boyle, Kaberle, Erhoff and the potential re-signing of Rob Blake.
Potential Trade- Tomas Kaberle for F-Jonathan Cheechoo and D-Mike Moore.
Vancouver Canucks- The Canucks look as if they may being doing an overhaul with the Sedins, Sundin and Ohlund possibly not returning Kaberle would be a more then adequate replacement for Ohlund.
Potential Trade- Tomas Kaberle for F-Ryan Kesler and D-Shane O'Brien
Buffalo Sabres- The Sabres are looking for a powerplay quarterback something they were missing all of last season.
Potential Trade- Tomas Kaberle for F- Daniel Paille and F- Zack Kassian
Florida Panthers- The Panthers need to replace Bouwmeester and could re-unite Kaberle and former Leaf Bryan McCabe.
Potential Trade- Tomas Kaberle for F- David Booth and D- Adam Comrie
There could be some other potential players in the Kaberle sweepstakes and other Maple Leafs added to any deal but the key is to get a young player who can be on the roster this coming season and if Brian Burke gets the right offer from another team this will be the first time since the 1997-98 season that we won't see the famaliar #15 in the Leafs back end.
I know it is different,but....NHL09(EA) I traded Kaberle to vancouver for Kesler and Bieksa.
ReplyDeleteDon't know how old O Brien is,but I'd rather have Bieksa.
And no way do I want Cheechoo.
There is no way David Booth gets traded for Kaberle. I barely watch the panthers and I know that one.
ReplyDeleteAny trade involving another d-man is a waste of time. Like come on here people,toronto is trying to unload the back end not gain more. They need offense not defence.
ReplyDeleteHey Wayne, I bet u would like to have Crosby and Malkin too. lol, Kesler and Bieksa, they r both as good or better then Kaberle. Both of those guys r going nowhere. And they r going to have to give more then Kab's up for Kessel. Here's what they r going to get if they do deal him. Bernier and Schiender/Grabner (one of the 2) Kab's and 2nd and 3rd for Kessel. Kaberle for Brassard and 3rd rounder, or Filtakov straight up. I actually think he's going to Columbus as they have lots of young forwards. And don't get me wrong I would love him in Vancouver but he is not a number one defenseman
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