DAILY RUMORS: A Look at the Rumored Suitors for Tomas Kaberle… In a Market that is, Well, Lacking

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As the narrow window of opportunity for the Toronto Maple Leafs to trade Tomas Kaberle without the hindrance of his “no-trade” clause draws near to closing on August 15^th speculation is picking up over which teams might have interest in him and what they could possibly offer up.

Depending on what you read it seems nearly half the league is interested in Kaberle and he could be worth a top six forward plus a first round pick; at least that’s what Leafs management is rumored seeking in return.

The Philadelphia Flyers tried to acquire Kaberle two years ago so naturally it’s thought they might be interested again. The Dallas Stars, LA Kings, St. Louis Blues, San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks and Columbus Blue Jackets are thought to be seeking an experienced puck-moving defenseman.

A recent report suggesting the Tampa Bay Lightning might be interested in adding a veteran defenseman has naturally linked them to Kaberle. There’s even talk of the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins “kicking the tires”.

Fact is, there probably isn’t that many possible destinations for Kaberle at this late date.

The Flyers are maxed out now cap-wise and have already bolstered their defense corps. Unless the NHL retroactively rejects the contract of Chris Pronger they no longer need a defenseman like Kaberle in their ranks.

Cap constraints are also an issue for the Bruins, so unless they can somehow convince the Leafs to accept Marc Savard and his very long-term, front-loaded contract or winger Michael Ryder’s $4 million salary for next season they simply won’t have a deal that can fit comfortably under their cap.

Detroit is another team maxed out for cap space which isn’t likely to make any trades (and certainly not forward Valtteri Filppula as one rumor site suggested), while there’s rumors the Bolts might offer up forward Ryan Malone for Kaberle, but GM Steve Yzerman appeared to address the need for a similar type defenseman by bringing back Pavel Kubina earlier this summer.

Budget teams like the Stars and Blues aren’t likely to have any serious interest in parting with assets for a defenseman who probably won’t remain with them after this coming season.

It’s believed the Ducks are still seeking a defenseman but not at the cost of forward Bobby Ryan. The Kings and Sharks are Western Conference teams and given Kaberle’s preference to playing in the Eastern Conference one has to wonder how keen they might be to give up assets for a player they might only have for one year.

As for the Blue Jackets reports out of Columbus already indicate that unless the Leafs back off their asking price not to expect Kaberle in a Jackets jersey.

More affordable assets on the UFA market include Marc-Andre Bergeron, Willie Mitchell, Paul Mara, Andreas Lilja, or Lukas Krajicek. Sure, they’re not in the same class as Kaberle but would certainly come at a more cap-friendly price for those teams and wouldn’t result in giving up assets other than money to get them.

It must be remembered Leafs GM Brian Burke has repeatedly said he’s not actively shopping Kaberle and is quite willing to go into next season with the veteran Czech still on his roster.

Burke might also have another opportunity to shop Kaberle at the trade deadline, though the latter’s “no-trade” clause would certainly limit the number of preferred destinations.

Fact is, barring one of the aforementioned changing their minds or another club jumping into the bidding unexpectedly the possibility of Kaberle remaining a Leaf is at this stage a real one.

Lyle Richardson
SpectorsHockey.net
twitter.com/spectorshockey