*-> As the deadline looms for the Tomas Kaberle no trade clause the speculation has started to run wild. While Burke has told the media that he expects the Leafs to receive the best offers in the last few hours, the offers have still yet to flood in. Burke told TSN today if this is all the offers he going to receive he's going to keep Kaberle. I don't quite buy that as the Leafs have a defenseman too many and besides we all know Burke doesn't like to reveal his hands until the chips are on the table. It is possible he'll keep the Czech defender but realistically he's hoping to get rid of him. Burkes even admitted to be willing to take a future pack, a young player and drafts instead of that 1st line center he was asking for.
The Maple Leafs have been rumored to be talking to the Dallas Stars about a possible deal. Its said the Stars would love to add Kaberle but the Leafs would have to take cap in return. Burke reportedly wants Brad Richards but the Stars are only offering Mike Ribeiro for the taking.
Burke has been linked to the Washington Caps as of late. Ever since the rumor came out Eric Belanger has accepted a deal with the Caps and is awaiting a deal sending Fleicshmann to another team for a defenseman in return the Leafs have been the team rumored. Burke has come out and denied this deal and it doesn't make sense for the Caps ether cap wise.
A rumor came out late last week as well the Dustin Brown had been traded from the Los Angeles Kings to the Leafs for Kaberle but proved false. We do know the Kings would love a defenseman of Kaberles quality to help young Doughty out but I doubt Brown would be a part of any package. Andrei Loktionov, or Brayden Schenn to be the Leafs targets.
The Columbus Blue Jackets need offensive help from the backend but have little in the way of first line centers to offer but could put together a future package easily.
The Boston Bruins star center Marc Savard is currently being shopped and the Leafs know he has chemistry with Phil Kessel. Savard listed Toronto as one of the 2 places he'll waive his no trade clause so this could be a perfect fit except for the fact Savards contract is under investigation and both teams would like to see their star sent out of the division.
Jeff Carter was linked to the Leafs all of last season in the rumor mills. Carter could fill that void up the middle for the Buds but Philly already has revamped their blueline and unless they can dump 2 bodies this one won't work.
A St Louis deal came out last night saying the Leafs and the Blues were talking about a David Backes for Kaberle swap. Backes is a UFA next season and would be costly for the Blues to keep. The Blues could use a body or 2 to help there woeful defense.
2 comments:
I could see that Backes deal happening. Man the Blues could definitely get over the hump with a Kaberle-Johnson pair.
I'd like that kind of deal for both parties but it may leave the Blues a little thin still on offense.
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