doktordave

"You heard it someplace, not here."

What will the Leafs do? Some suggestions and possibilities.

OK, first of all, get a grip on yourself if you are a Leaf fan looking for big changes. There are a couple of things that may work against that before the deadline.
Mainly, Brian Burke just lost his son and deserves some family time this week to get his bearings. He's earned a break after the last two deals, and given the circumstances of the last week, he's likely putting a lot of faith in Dave Nonis and Cliff Fletcher. There is a slight chance that Burke as a GM who works hard to build a reputation as being fair to him players may simply offer two of his biggest assets - Ponikarovski and Kaberle a chance to re-sign over the Olympic break. That would have two very positive results for Toronto, as any renewal offered right now to extend their stay in Toronto will either be
(1) terms favorable to the Leafs for the long-term, (getting these guys cheaper than other teams might have to pay)
or
(2) pay increases for a longer term that will significantly boost the asking price for either.

Consider that a rental like Kovalchuk was shockingly less than many expected.
These guys are a tier below that, maybe two tiers - despite being consistent and talented offensive performers. Both are great team guys. Model citizens, and low stress additions that would make any coaches job easier. Signing both to extensions could really allow Burke to ask for a solid first round pick as a starting point if these quality players have long-term affordable contract. From the player's perspective, it means they have a business reason, along with all the personal reasons to have Burke keep them in the fold.

So where does that leave the Leafs? Who will they move?
I would expect that after the Olympics, if there is no extension signed, that you will see Poni shopped, with the hope that he'll be back as a free agent.
Kaberle will likely be safe until the draft, and I suspect that Burke will tell him that should a team offer him some undisclosed minimum, he will ask him to waive the NT clause.

Stempniak is as good as gone, it is only a matter of some higher ranked UFAs being moved first or a team getting both him and another better player. I keep expecting to hear of Poni and Stempniak going for a high pick or possibly to a team with a blue-chip prospect, but in need of some immediate, affordable second line help now on a play-off run. Tampa comes to mind, so does Boston, possibly LA, Philly, Rangers, Minny or Anaheim.

One intriguing possibility is St. Louis, who may be willing to part with a high potential guy like Berglund if they think they can get better fast, it might also take tossing in a prospect, but could get the Leafs a guy with big skill for next year. Another option, may be Brad Boyes who apparently may be available for the right package.

Tampa is supposedly considering a move of Malone. Brian Burke's kind of guy, but not a center...so who knows?
Another possibility if Kaberle is on the table is Vancouver and Cody Hodgson.
A long-time top prospect just recovered from back problems. His value and development might have slipped just enough to make him available for some quality assets like Kaberle and a lesser pick. Just sayin'.

Anyway, expect a quiet Olympic break, but perhaps one more big Leaf deal this season.

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