Tomas Kaberle the 32 year old puck moving defencemen was traded to the Boston Bruins on February 18th for a prospect (Colbourne), 1st round pick (2011) and a conditional 2nd round pick (2012). In a press conference announcing the trade General Manager Brian Burke characterized Kaberle as; "One of the best defencemen to play in this era, if not the best."
Kaberle, originally from what is now known as the Czech Republic, was drafted in the 8th round of the 19996 entry draft, 204th overall. Known as a calm and cool power play quarter back Kaberle was 1 or 2 seasons away from playing 1,000 games in the NHL. All of which would have been with the Leafs. The next highest games played by a current Leaf is Nikolai Kulemin who has suited up just over 200 times for the Buds.
Regardless of whether you were a fan of Kaberle's or not you have to admit that he served the Leafs well. A strong abassador for the game both on and off the ice, his ability to see the ice and pass the puck are the stuff of legends.
Taking a look at the trade on a deeper analytical level it seems at least in this writers opinion that Burkie did fairly well. Yes Kaberle is a big loss and you will not find more ardent supporter than myself of that fact but when faced with the facts this trade was favourable for the Leafs. Maybe the Bruins felt bad for the lack lustre performance of Phil Kessel so they traded us back one of the 1st round draft picks we gave them. In that situation we are left with Kaberle a free agent July 1 who potential could come back to the Leafs (although I imagine he might be hesitant with the current regime in power). This essentially boils down to the Leafs receiving a prospect and a conditional pick in return for a rental player. Maybe Kaberle will sign with the Bruins, only time will tell. What is known is that Kaberle will be missed by Leaf Nation and will be an asset to which ever team he decides to sign with this summer. Good Luck and thank you for your dedicated service to our beloved Leafs.
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