To trade or not to trade?
Posted 12:08 AM ET | Comments 8
Kaberle, the most mentioned name in leaf land trade rumors. I believe that leaf nation is too anxious to see one of their longest serving members traded. There is no doubt that Kaberle is the only way to get a sure fire top six forward on the roster. What needs to be thoroughly examined is the fact is that Kaberle is the only Leafs defenseman that consistently has the ability to make a tape to tape pass out of his own zone. Do we really want to get rid of such a valuable commodity?
You are probably thinking to yourself that the Leafs have to get scoring or it's going to be a long season. Most people would love to Kessel in a Leafs uniform. Some want to see the Leafs obtain Hodgson from Vancouver, or possibly Kesler. My question is do you really think these players are going to put you that much closer to Lord Stanley? While Kessel in my opinion is the most attractive out of these options, who exactly is going to pass him the puck out of defensive zone? White did have a great year, but we all know he is no Kaberle. Stralman is turning into the next Staffan Kronwall. These top six forwards need someone that has the ability to make precision pass out of his own zone.
It is in the Leafs best interest to hold onto Kaberle for now. What no one knows is if these young available top six forwards have the ability to produce in the pressure filled Toronto. We also could be surprised by the abilities of potential rookies Bozak, Stalberg, Hanson, and Tlusty. What we do know is that Kaberle can play in pressure filled Toronto, and is currently the best person to make the first pass. Until White and Stralman prove they have the ability to fill Kaberle’s shoes, trading Kaberle would be a mistake.
You are probably thinking to yourself that the Leafs have to get scoring or it's going to be a long season. Most people would love to Kessel in a Leafs uniform. Some want to see the Leafs obtain Hodgson from Vancouver, or possibly Kesler. My question is do you really think these players are going to put you that much closer to Lord Stanley? While Kessel in my opinion is the most attractive out of these options, who exactly is going to pass him the puck out of defensive zone? White did have a great year, but we all know he is no Kaberle. Stralman is turning into the next Staffan Kronwall. These top six forwards need someone that has the ability to make precision pass out of his own zone.
It is in the Leafs best interest to hold onto Kaberle for now. What no one knows is if these young available top six forwards have the ability to produce in the pressure filled Toronto. We also could be surprised by the abilities of potential rookies Bozak, Stalberg, Hanson, and Tlusty. What we do know is that Kaberle can play in pressure filled Toronto, and is currently the best person to make the first pass. Until White and Stralman prove they have the ability to fill Kaberle’s shoes, trading Kaberle would be a mistake.
Obviously the Leafs would be a better team next season if they kept Kabs. But thats not what Burkie is shooting for. He wants the team to be a Cup contender in the long run. Being a better team now is not worth passing up the oportunity to grab a scoring prospect like Hodgson. The way to win the cup is to build from prospects and have them all come to fruition at the same time. ex. Pittsburgh.
Why hold onto an aging defensemen who will surely not re-sign with the Leafs in two years anyway, so why not get something good for him?Not that hard to figure out, is it?Wow.
Why is this first pass going to matter if there's noone capable of doing something once it reaches the other end?
Secondly, I object to your criticism of Anton Stralman. The Leafs have been giving Stralman very limited minutes in which to learn and develop at the NHL level. In his two seasons he has received 12:48 and 15:34 in ice time. To put it in perspective: Andy Wozniewski averaged 3 minutes more a game than Anton. Kaberle received 18:42 a game in his rookie year and 22:54 the year after on better teams than Stralman has played for.
getting rid of kaberle won't make a difference because either way the leafs will suck. Bright future with komisarek on your blue line and kadri up front.
I can't tell if we're being sassed by the Habs fan or if he's genuinely stating that Kadri and Komisarek will be valuable pick ups... like I would totally get it if he had just been taking a shot at Komisarek... but Kadri was in the top five for pure skill in this draft... hard to really criticize the guy who has yet to play a game in the league.