There was a time when all Leafs fans, myself included, decided to throw “when” instead of “if” into the Kaberle trade talks. I’m not sure of the exact date, but either way, we were all in agreement of #15 hitting the road. Though, recently I’ve just decided to let it go: it is what it is.
In an article for the National Post, Micheal Traikos said Thursday that “the end is near” on a Kaberle deal. Though, the rest of the article really described nothing resembling that notion. In fact, it further solidified Brian Burke’s stance that only a specific trade option tendering to the Leafs needs in a big way will be enough to pry Kaberle away from Toronto.
Traikos went on to say that someone better take Kaberle, otherwise the Leafs are stuck with eight defencemen. While I agree somewhat, there are seven defencemen not named Kaberle on this team. The problem is trying to figure out which ones are trade-able and the likely return in such a swap.
There’s no doubt the Leafs will look foolish going into the season with their eight defencemen and one, maybe two guys who can put the puck in the net up front. I’m talking about Kessel and Versteeg of course. So the reality is that a Kaberle is not necessarily imminent, but a Leafs defencemen leaving town certainly is.
If we take a look at Kaberle, knowing he is by far the most likely to be traded, where would we rank the rest?
Beauchemin
I believe Beauchemin is the next most likely to ever be dealt from the Leafs back-end behind Kaberle. I can think of a few reasons the Leafs would want to deal him, and at the same time he’s relatively cheap and can still garner interest from around the league.
Schenn
Burke would be completely insane to trade Schenn for nothing less than an absolutely amazing return. That said, he’s the guy I would be asking about if I were another GM.
Komisarek
It seems like people really jumped all over Komisarek’s contract but it’s really not bad at all. He’s a good player, get over it already. The shoulder injury will likely drive teams away, but to say he’s unwanted is probably false. Obviously unlikely to be traded, but not impossible.
Gunnarsson
As with Schenn, Burke would be crazy to trade Gunnarsson right now. Cheap, good, basically the only guy not named Kaberle that I trust with the puck on the back end. But again, a player that teams will likely ask about if they haven’t already.
Lebda & Finger
Unless Mike Milbury comes back as the Islanders GM and offers up John Tavares and five first round picks for Lebda and Finger, neither is going anywhere. Lebda just signed for a questionable deal worth 1.45 per year and we all know the story on Finger.
Phaneuf
Not happening.
Beauchemin clearly seems the most likely to be traded in the event that Kaberle stays. A lot of people would see this as Burke eating serious crow, since Komisarek and Beauchemin were his two prized signings of last years’ off-season. Not really the case.
If Beauchemin is traded and the return helps the club, that argument is irrelevant. It’s not a failed signing, it’s just another roster move to improve the team. Keep in mind, this team was last in the East. Moving anyone at this point to improve the roster has nothing to do with ego. Burke isn’t going to hold on to Beauchemin because he’s afraid some fans may view the signing as a failure. That’s ridiculous.
The best thing Burke can do right now is whatever is best for the team. If a Kaberle deal really can’t materialize, Burke will hold on to him, like he’s said millions of times. The trade avenues then open up for another defenceman (or two) and here we go again, speculation upon speculation.
It’s likely a Kaberle deal will go down on the very last day of his trade window, if it happens at all. Of course it’s likely he’ll be traded, but just in case, it’s important to look at some other opportunities.
Assuming Kaberle goes may not be entirely correct. Assuming a defenceman leaves Toronto, however, is a definite.
The World Junior Camp is taking place in St. John’s this week. Practices and all the festivities begin on Wednesday. I will be on-site to check out all the action and keeping the blog updated throughout. I’ll even be interviewing Leafs prospect Brad Ross of the Portland Winterhawks. Feel free to leave some question suggestions in the comments section below!
Email maplestirup@gmail.com and now follow on Twitter @maplestirup
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Original Story:
http://maplestirup.com/2010/08/no-nee...
