So what exactly is the deal on Thomas Kaberle?, well this i can be certain, the functionality of the NHL free agency as it stands right now is sort of like the calm before the storm. Things seemed to pick up once Kovalchuck was signed by the New Jersey Devils to that ridiculous contract, and to no-ones surprise, the NHL contested the contract. But ever since then there has been an ongoing debate and even a dispute i guess you could call it, over the deciding proceeding between the NHL and the NHLPA, the phone lines have become quieter for Brian Burke and the Toronto Maple Leafs regarding the availability of Thomas Kaberle.
So now where does this leave Thomas Kaberle and the Toronto Maple Leafs?, well, the handful of teams that are interested "still" in Kovalchuck are keeping a very close look at their bank balance in terms of Cap Hit. Can any of these teams really make a pitch for an All-star Defense man who does have a very reasonable contract, but in reality would still add a punch to the wallet? All the rumored teams interested in the services of Thomas Kaberle were, and still are very much in on the Kovalchuck hunt, thus slowing the quality of offers being laid out over the desk of Brian Burke. Now many sports "artists" believe that the only chance for a change of scenery that Thomas Kaberle would endure, would be that of a return investment in a top six forward. However, my mind has led me in a different direction, i still believe that Brian Burke is looking slightly more toward the future then that of the present day. So an investment in quality young players such as Wayne Simmonds or Luke Schenn from L.A become a very intriguing possibility. But i'm not going to count out the very real possibility that Brian could be holding back Kaberle to entice more serious offers in order to obtain a top line forward of high degree.
Either way a return investment of either degree would certainly add a much needed punchline to the subsequent footnote of an offense that the leafs have had labeled over the past few years. A boost that will finally put them into the playoff hunt once again, but i wouldn't label them as front runners quite yet. The departure of several free agents and players through trade have opened up windows of opportunity for many of the leafs young and skilled players, some of which will be entering into the league for their first year. Yes this may sound pretty exciting, but it will be a true testimate to see how the team can come together and "gel" this season. The team has seen a pretty large overhaul and will take some time for players to get used to their new surroundings, especially those of which who have arrived in the past couple months.
I really can't wait for this season to begin, it will be a very exciting and interesting season to watch this team come together and hopefully make a push for a comfortable playoff spot, one that doesnt come down to laying all the pressure and ambitions into the hands of the New Jersey Devils to win a shootout in the final game of the season, in order to secure a final and 8th spot. But one things for sure, wherever Thomas Kaberle ends up, (and that is if he is even traded at all) he will make for an excellent addition to any contending team and i wish him the best!
