If the Maple Leafs stay where they are on day 2, here are a list of potential picks that could fall to the Maple Leafs and that I wouldn't mind seeing them take:
FORWARDS:
Jared Knight
Tom Kuehnhackl
Devante Smith-Pelley
Max Gardiner
Dalton Smith
Connor Brickley
Greg McKegg
Joe Basaraba
Michael Bournival
Andrew Yogan
Christian Thomas
Brian Rust
Sondre Olden
Victor Ohman
Jonathan Johansson
Sam Carrick
Philip Lane
Mark MacMillian
Jason Clark
Alex Emond
Yasin Cisse
TJ Tynan
Brendan Gallagher
Zach Hyman
Christian Isackson
DEFENSE:
Danny Biega
Troy Rutkowski
Stephan Silas
John Ramage
Justin Holl
Austin Maidaisky
Daniel Gunnarsson
Radko Gudas
Joe Faust
Johan Alm
Geoffrey Schemitsch
Konrad Abeltschauser
Adam Polasek
Adam Janosik
Samuel Carrier
Jeremy Blaine
Luke Curadi
Mathieu Brission
Zach Trotman
Nate Schmidt
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
2010 First Round Mock Draft
Here's my interpretation of how the first round will play out. Enjoy!
1. Edmonton: Taylor Hall – Too much hype surrounding the kid for him not to be selected 1st overall. Although Edmonton could get away with drafting Seguin, Hall has to be the pick here I think.
2. Boston: Tyler Seguin – The logical choice in the number 2 spot. Boston has strength down the middle, but Krecji could be moved and Bergeron is a UFA after next season.
3. Florida: Erik Gudbrandson – A rock in which they can build around. Gudbrandson brings a different dynamic to a rebuilding Florida team.
4. Columbus: Brandon Gormley – can play in any situation and will provide good offensive contribution that Columbus needs on the D.
5. NYI: Cam Fowler – Will make a great addition to a building Islander group. The best available offensive-defender to a team that needs a blue-chip defender.
6. Tampa Bay: Nino Niederreiter– Yzerman adds some size in this U-20 power-forward sensation. Add's a serious power-forward to a team that requires quality wingers.
7. Carolina: Ryan Johansson – Best player available at this point. Adds more size up the middle, and while they’d like to add a defender they can’t pass up on Johansson.
8. Atlanta Thrashers: Jack Campbell – A surprise pick, but with Bogosian and Kane, a potential franchise goalie is needed going forward.
9. Minnesota Wild: Jeffrey Skinner – A pure offensive talent that hasn't been around since Gaborik.
10. New York Rangers: Brett Connolly – Rangers think they can afford to gamble on this talent who may be a steal at this point.
11. Dallas Stars: Derek Forbort - After selecting Glennie last season, Dallas looks to add a blue-chip defensive talent at 11th overall.
12. Anaheim Ducks: Austin Watson – A big forward who will be an NHL player someday. A safe pick and fits the style the Ducks play.
13. Phoenix Coyotes: Alex Burmistrov – Can’t pass up this top-end talent like Burmistrov. Russian factor is there, but not a concern for the developing Phoenix team. Plays a strong two-way game similar to Pavel Datsyuk.
14. St. Louis Blues: Mikeal Grandlund – Another top talent, although not big he’s worth the gamble to a team that is loaded with young talent.
15. Boston Bruins: Mark Pysyk – After selecting a forward with their 2nd overall pick, the Bruins take a safe selection in two-way defender Mark Pysyk.
16. Ottawa Senators: Nick Bjugstad – Adding Bjugstad gives Ottawa some needed size down the middle, and a potential for top-two center who can make a dangerous 1-2 with Spezza (if they don’t trade him).
17. Colorado Avalanche: Dylan McIlrath – One of the most intimidating presences in the draft, McIlrath with join a growing group of talent with the Avalanche.
18. Nashville Predators: Emerson Etem – A highly skilled, fast player who will be a welcomed addition to a Nashville team that lacks pure skill in their forward group.
19. Los Angeles Kings: Beau Bennett – Maybe a political choice, but there is no doubting that Bennett has top-end skill and could be a great choice as a future top-six winger.
20. Pittsburgh Penguins: Vladimir Tarasenko – Considered a draft wild-card the Penguins gamble on him and could win big. Top-ten skill.
21. Detroit Red Wings: Jared Tinordi – A big, character defender with leadership qualities. Adds a different, but welcomed element to the Detroit defensive core.
22. Phoenix Coyotes: Riley Sheehan – Big two-way center who may not develop into a top-six talent, but a safe selection to be an NHL player who fits the Phoenix style of game.
23. Buffalo Sabres: Tyler Pitlick - Look to add size to their center depth. Pitlick is a natural selection for a Sabres group looking to add size to their system.
24. Atlanta Thrashers: Quinton Howden – Sizable winger, who looks to be a safe selection late in the first. Can play in all situations.
25. Vancouver Canucks: Jonathan Merril – Best available defender at this point in the draft with top-four potential.
26. Washington Capitals: John McFarland – Washington gambles on this enigma in hopes that he'll pay off.
27. Montreal Canadiens: Brock Nelson - Montreal adds another NCAA bound forward with size. Nelson has second line potential, and plays on the edge.
28. San Jose Sharks: – Charlie Coyle – Adds a power forward to the San Jose system, fits the style of game the Sharks like to play.
29. Anaheim Ducks – Jayden Schwartz – Willing to gamble on a player who absolutely dominated the USHL although a bit small the skill is undeniable.
30. Chicago Blackhawks – Calvin Pickard – Need for goalie prospects, Pickard is the obvious choice at 30th for the cup winners.
...
Thoughts on the first round:
- Don't think either of the first selections will be moved. Edmonton needs a Hall player, Boston needs a prime forward so either Seguin or Hall will do.
- There could be movement between 3-8 as it seems pretty wide open after that.
- I think teams with more than one first round selection may move the second picks to acquire roster players - Atlanta, Boston and Anaheim specifically. Phoenix may hold onto both because their team is fairly solid as is.
- There always seems to be shuffling towards the end of the first round, so expect that to happen also.
1. Edmonton: Taylor Hall – Too much hype surrounding the kid for him not to be selected 1st overall. Although Edmonton could get away with drafting Seguin, Hall has to be the pick here I think.
2. Boston: Tyler Seguin – The logical choice in the number 2 spot. Boston has strength down the middle, but Krecji could be moved and Bergeron is a UFA after next season.
3. Florida: Erik Gudbrandson – A rock in which they can build around. Gudbrandson brings a different dynamic to a rebuilding Florida team.
4. Columbus: Brandon Gormley – can play in any situation and will provide good offensive contribution that Columbus needs on the D.
5. NYI: Cam Fowler – Will make a great addition to a building Islander group. The best available offensive-defender to a team that needs a blue-chip defender.
6. Tampa Bay: Nino Niederreiter– Yzerman adds some size in this U-20 power-forward sensation. Add's a serious power-forward to a team that requires quality wingers.
7. Carolina: Ryan Johansson – Best player available at this point. Adds more size up the middle, and while they’d like to add a defender they can’t pass up on Johansson.
8. Atlanta Thrashers: Jack Campbell – A surprise pick, but with Bogosian and Kane, a potential franchise goalie is needed going forward.
9. Minnesota Wild: Jeffrey Skinner – A pure offensive talent that hasn't been around since Gaborik.
10. New York Rangers: Brett Connolly – Rangers think they can afford to gamble on this talent who may be a steal at this point.
11. Dallas Stars: Derek Forbort - After selecting Glennie last season, Dallas looks to add a blue-chip defensive talent at 11th overall.
12. Anaheim Ducks: Austin Watson – A big forward who will be an NHL player someday. A safe pick and fits the style the Ducks play.
13. Phoenix Coyotes: Alex Burmistrov – Can’t pass up this top-end talent like Burmistrov. Russian factor is there, but not a concern for the developing Phoenix team. Plays a strong two-way game similar to Pavel Datsyuk.
14. St. Louis Blues: Mikeal Grandlund – Another top talent, although not big he’s worth the gamble to a team that is loaded with young talent.
15. Boston Bruins: Mark Pysyk – After selecting a forward with their 2nd overall pick, the Bruins take a safe selection in two-way defender Mark Pysyk.
16. Ottawa Senators: Nick Bjugstad – Adding Bjugstad gives Ottawa some needed size down the middle, and a potential for top-two center who can make a dangerous 1-2 with Spezza (if they don’t trade him).
17. Colorado Avalanche: Dylan McIlrath – One of the most intimidating presences in the draft, McIlrath with join a growing group of talent with the Avalanche.
18. Nashville Predators: Emerson Etem – A highly skilled, fast player who will be a welcomed addition to a Nashville team that lacks pure skill in their forward group.
19. Los Angeles Kings: Beau Bennett – Maybe a political choice, but there is no doubting that Bennett has top-end skill and could be a great choice as a future top-six winger.
20. Pittsburgh Penguins: Vladimir Tarasenko – Considered a draft wild-card the Penguins gamble on him and could win big. Top-ten skill.
21. Detroit Red Wings: Jared Tinordi – A big, character defender with leadership qualities. Adds a different, but welcomed element to the Detroit defensive core.
22. Phoenix Coyotes: Riley Sheehan – Big two-way center who may not develop into a top-six talent, but a safe selection to be an NHL player who fits the Phoenix style of game.
23. Buffalo Sabres: Tyler Pitlick - Look to add size to their center depth. Pitlick is a natural selection for a Sabres group looking to add size to their system.
24. Atlanta Thrashers: Quinton Howden – Sizable winger, who looks to be a safe selection late in the first. Can play in all situations.
25. Vancouver Canucks: Jonathan Merril – Best available defender at this point in the draft with top-four potential.
26. Washington Capitals: John McFarland – Washington gambles on this enigma in hopes that he'll pay off.
27. Montreal Canadiens: Brock Nelson - Montreal adds another NCAA bound forward with size. Nelson has second line potential, and plays on the edge.
28. San Jose Sharks: – Charlie Coyle – Adds a power forward to the San Jose system, fits the style of game the Sharks like to play.
29. Anaheim Ducks – Jayden Schwartz – Willing to gamble on a player who absolutely dominated the USHL although a bit small the skill is undeniable.
30. Chicago Blackhawks – Calvin Pickard – Need for goalie prospects, Pickard is the obvious choice at 30th for the cup winners.
...
Thoughts on the first round:
- Don't think either of the first selections will be moved. Edmonton needs a Hall player, Boston needs a prime forward so either Seguin or Hall will do.
- There could be movement between 3-8 as it seems pretty wide open after that.
- I think teams with more than one first round selection may move the second picks to acquire roster players - Atlanta, Boston and Anaheim specifically. Phoenix may hold onto both because their team is fairly solid as is.
- There always seems to be shuffling towards the end of the first round, so expect that to happen also.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Draft week! And other thoughts ...
Here we are a few days until the 2010 NHL Draft! Very excited to see where everyone goes both in the draft and through the trades that seem like they'll inevitably happen.
And as we approach the draft, here are a few general thoughts:
...
Horton to Boston?
I'd actually be surprised if this didn't happen. It just seems to make a lot of sense given both teams needs. It makes me jealous to know that Boston may be (will be?) adding a potential 30 goal scorer like Horton AND a top-pick in this years draft. I mean, Boston's not a bad team by any stretch so to add this type of talent to a playoff team is pretty dangerous.
Florida's going to explode?
I'm really interested in seeing the direction Tallon goes. He wants to rebuild/restock, but he doesn't want to bottom out. It should be interesting to see the type of return he gets seeing as he'll likely want roster players back for players such as Weiss and Horton.
Halak feeling Blue..
Like most, I was taken back by this deal. I thought for sure Halak would come to some sort of agreement with Montreal, but it just proves how crazy the NHL can be at times. The return wasn't amazing in respect to what Halak did for Montreal this past year, but it wasn't totally lopsided. Lars Eller is a good prospect in his own right, and Ian Shultz, if he develops, will be valuable to a club like Montreal who is seeking size. This move however is risky, very risky. It ultimately could be Gauthiers undoing if Price flops next season.
Deals with the Devils?
Had to say I was a bit surprised to see Lou Lamoriello shell out more future assets to acquire an old center like Jason Arnott. I mean, he didn't give a kings ransom, but Arnott's on the downside of his career and is starting to become more injury prone. This signals that the Devils want to make one last strong push for the playoffs ... Kaberle rumours anyone?
Kaberle could be dealt by the draft ... or he may not be.
Pierre LeBrun mentioned that he feels Kaberle will be dealt by Saturday, then Darren Dreger pointed out that he feels Burke won't set Saturday as a deadline. The truth of the matter is both of them are probably right, but you have to think Burke feels a little bit pressure to make a deal by Saturday. If Burke wants to play with fire, try and hold out for a deal that may never come, he may end up burning himself. If the offers aren't remotely close to what Burke would accept for Kaberle, I don't see how the price would dramatically increase given there's a bit of defensive depth on the free-agent market.
Draft Day direction?
If all else fails, it'll be interesting to see who the Maple Leafs select with their six picks. There's some good talent that is bound to slip out of the top-60 and hopefully the Maple Leafs are there to pick up the left overs. Does your teams direction change when you don't have a top-60 selection? Are you as a GM more persuaded to take a player who may have re-entered the draft? In a sense that you gain a year of development on the other 18-year-old's to try and compensate for the lack of a 1st? (Similar to how the Maple Leafs took Nikolai Kulemin as an over-age player in the draft). Either way, I'm excited to welcome new Maple Leafs into the fold.
Trade bait?
We all know Kaberle's name has been rumored on the block, but what other Maple Leafs will be on the way out? Here are some names I think may be involved in potential trades:
John Mitchell - Yeah, he had a bad year. But he did also have a strong rookie-year and that can't be ignored either. It's not impossible to believe that he suffered from a sophomore slump like so many have before him. He protects the puck well, isn't afraid to skate with the puck, and has decent offensive ability. In the long-run he probably doesn't fit in with the type of team Burke is trying to assemble. Would any team take a shot on him for a draft pick?
James Reimer - Burke bringing in Ben Scrivens and Jussi Rynnas makes James Reimer an odd man out I think. Not that he's a lock to be moved, but I think Burke wouldn't hesitate to include him in a deal now that he's added some depth to the position.
Mikhail Grabovski - Comes with a bit of a price-tag, but a team looking for cheap secondary offensive production may find him useful. On the other hand, he's still useful to the Maple Leafs, but he's another player I don't see as a long-term solution as the clubs second-line center. Opening up cap-space may be more important at this point if Burke has big dreams.
Those are just three players that I wouldn't be surprised to see leave by this time next week.
...
Hopefully we do see some action lead up to the draft. I'll be posting my draft favourites on Thursday for each Maple Leaf selection for the 2010 Draft.
And as we approach the draft, here are a few general thoughts:
...
Horton to Boston?
I'd actually be surprised if this didn't happen. It just seems to make a lot of sense given both teams needs. It makes me jealous to know that Boston may be (will be?) adding a potential 30 goal scorer like Horton AND a top-pick in this years draft. I mean, Boston's not a bad team by any stretch so to add this type of talent to a playoff team is pretty dangerous.
Florida's going to explode?
I'm really interested in seeing the direction Tallon goes. He wants to rebuild/restock, but he doesn't want to bottom out. It should be interesting to see the type of return he gets seeing as he'll likely want roster players back for players such as Weiss and Horton.
Halak feeling Blue..
Like most, I was taken back by this deal. I thought for sure Halak would come to some sort of agreement with Montreal, but it just proves how crazy the NHL can be at times. The return wasn't amazing in respect to what Halak did for Montreal this past year, but it wasn't totally lopsided. Lars Eller is a good prospect in his own right, and Ian Shultz, if he develops, will be valuable to a club like Montreal who is seeking size. This move however is risky, very risky. It ultimately could be Gauthiers undoing if Price flops next season.
Deals with the Devils?
Had to say I was a bit surprised to see Lou Lamoriello shell out more future assets to acquire an old center like Jason Arnott. I mean, he didn't give a kings ransom, but Arnott's on the downside of his career and is starting to become more injury prone. This signals that the Devils want to make one last strong push for the playoffs ... Kaberle rumours anyone?
Kaberle could be dealt by the draft ... or he may not be.
Pierre LeBrun mentioned that he feels Kaberle will be dealt by Saturday, then Darren Dreger pointed out that he feels Burke won't set Saturday as a deadline. The truth of the matter is both of them are probably right, but you have to think Burke feels a little bit pressure to make a deal by Saturday. If Burke wants to play with fire, try and hold out for a deal that may never come, he may end up burning himself. If the offers aren't remotely close to what Burke would accept for Kaberle, I don't see how the price would dramatically increase given there's a bit of defensive depth on the free-agent market.
Draft Day direction?
If all else fails, it'll be interesting to see who the Maple Leafs select with their six picks. There's some good talent that is bound to slip out of the top-60 and hopefully the Maple Leafs are there to pick up the left overs. Does your teams direction change when you don't have a top-60 selection? Are you as a GM more persuaded to take a player who may have re-entered the draft? In a sense that you gain a year of development on the other 18-year-old's to try and compensate for the lack of a 1st? (Similar to how the Maple Leafs took Nikolai Kulemin as an over-age player in the draft). Either way, I'm excited to welcome new Maple Leafs into the fold.
Trade bait?
We all know Kaberle's name has been rumored on the block, but what other Maple Leafs will be on the way out? Here are some names I think may be involved in potential trades:
John Mitchell - Yeah, he had a bad year. But he did also have a strong rookie-year and that can't be ignored either. It's not impossible to believe that he suffered from a sophomore slump like so many have before him. He protects the puck well, isn't afraid to skate with the puck, and has decent offensive ability. In the long-run he probably doesn't fit in with the type of team Burke is trying to assemble. Would any team take a shot on him for a draft pick?
James Reimer - Burke bringing in Ben Scrivens and Jussi Rynnas makes James Reimer an odd man out I think. Not that he's a lock to be moved, but I think Burke wouldn't hesitate to include him in a deal now that he's added some depth to the position.
Mikhail Grabovski - Comes with a bit of a price-tag, but a team looking for cheap secondary offensive production may find him useful. On the other hand, he's still useful to the Maple Leafs, but he's another player I don't see as a long-term solution as the clubs second-line center. Opening up cap-space may be more important at this point if Burke has big dreams.
Those are just three players that I wouldn't be surprised to see leave by this time next week.
...
Hopefully we do see some action lead up to the draft. I'll be posting my draft favourites on Thursday for each Maple Leaf selection for the 2010 Draft.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Maple Leafs 2010 Draft Preview
GM Brian Burke has done a good job retooling the Maple Leafs, even though they finished 29th in the league. He’s brought in a ton of new faces, and some building blocks in all positions in which to work with. The 2010 draft in Los Angeles as well as summer free agency are two vital points in Burke’s plan for the upcoming season. Burke has made it known that the main priority is adding top-six scoring and additional toughness to the top-nine forward group.
Tomas Kaberle has been a subject of trade rumors for years, but it seems that his time as a Maple Leaf may finally be coming to an end. With Kaberle’s trade window opening June 25th, and the Maple Leafs 29th-place finish it seems he will be dealt to the highest bidder.
Another trade chip that Burke may work with is restricted free agent Nikolai Kulemin. Once an integral building block for the Maple Leaf forward group, Kulemin has priced himself out of Toronto’s plans at the moment and if contract talks continue to stall, Burke could opt to move him with Kaberle in order to maximize the return.
Without a first or second-round selection in the 2010 draft, the Maple Leafs scouting staff will have their work cut out for them. Make no mistake; Burke will do everything in his power to add a top-60 selection for his scouts if he can.
The rest of the article can be found here
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Czech-mate?
After years, upon years of speculation it seems ... wait for it ... that Kaberle may in fact be on the way out. Yes, I know, we've heard this song and dance before only to be let down by Kaberle enforcing his NTC or the market 'drying up' on him. But make no mistake, all of Burke's moves to date signal the departure of Kaberle.One could argue that dealing Kaberle has been in progress for a year, dating back to when Burke added Exelby, Komisarek and Beauchemin to a defensive core that, on paper at least, seemed well stocked. Add in Phaneuf, Aulie, and the emergence of Gunnarsson and (to a lesser extent) Olympian Korbinian Holzer it seems to make sense that Kaberle should be dealt for forward help.
Now, this isn't something to rejoice about .. far from it. Kaberle is a great puck-moving defender, and if he is moved he'll likely be missed as a key ingredient on the back end. But you can't help it, as a fan, to be excited to see what return he'll receive. I mean, even fans of other teams want to know what Kaberle will finally be able to fetch in a trade just so they can mock those crazy Maple Leaf fans who thought he'd bring in two first round picks and a top-line player.
Now, recent rumors floating around out there have targeted a handful of teams that have serious interest in acquiring the 32-year-old Tomas Kaberle. These teams include Buffalo, Anaheim, New Jersey, Columbus as the heavily interest. Other teams that are rumored to have interest are Tampa Bay and Florida, but both teams seem unlikely to give up youth/top-six forwards for Kaberle as both are in 'rebuilding' phases of their team.
I'll work backwards from the listed teams:
Columbus:
2010 Draft Picks: 4th, 34th, 58th, 94th, 124th, 154th, 184th 192nd
Columbus has been a rumored trade partner with the Maple Leafs for a long time, but what do they have that Burke would want and they would be willing to give up? To me, not much. They won't be moving the 4th overall selection, but the 34th selection has some value. Jakub Voracek has been linked as potential trade bait, but I don't see Columbus moving a young play-making forward as skilled as Voracek in a deal for Kaberle.
New Jersey:
2010 Draft Picks: 38th, 48th, 61st, 80th, 110th, 170th, 200th
Even though they've been rumored as 'front runners' for Kaberle, I find it unlikely given they lack what Burke wants in a deal for Kaberle. With no first round pick, and no true top-six wingers that fit in with the age requirement, on the surface it doesn't seem like it makes much sense.
David Clarkson would be of value to Burke, but as a centerpiece in a Kaberle deal? I don't think so, but it depends on how much value Burke places on him - not us fans. If he feels he could be a 20g - 50pt player next season on the 2nd line he may be valuable due to his intangibles. The 38th pick would be of value also, and after that a prospect like a Nick Palmieri or Adam Henrique would fit in with the team Burke wants to build. But is it worth trading Kaberle for a 3rd line winger (potential 2nd line if you want to be generous), a 38th overall and a B level prospect? If you were the Maple Leafs looking to trade for a top-pairing puck-moving defender do you think that would get it done? Unlikely. But what if there was a conditional 1st in 2011 based on Kaberle re-signing? That would be an interesting scenario...
Anaheim 2010 Draft Picks: 20th, 24th, 42nd, 50th, 102nd, 132nd
No, Kaberle will not be dealt for Bobby Ryan, don't be absurd. But if he can't land Ryan what does Anaheim have of value? Not much.
Anaheim makes sense as having a need for Kaberle. They stockpiled a bunch of youth with the Pronger deal, and they do have Visnovsky, but if Neidermayer retires they could use a legit top-pairing defender.
Anaheim could offer 24th overall, but they don't have much in the way to offer player wise unless Ryan is involved - which, if I'm a betting man, he won't be. Now, if Burke wanted to offer Kaberle + Schenn + another asset then maybe there will be some talk about Ryan (and Ryan alone). As absurd it may be to suggest Ryan to the Maple Leafs, there is some fit there. The Maple Leafs want a big top-six winger, Burke drafted him behind Crosby, Fletcher wanted him not to long ago, Toronto is in the East so Ryan is unlikely to come back and haunt Anaheim. These are just examples, but in the end the idea of Ryan is all pie in the sky.
If Anaheim wanted to offer up a package of future's, it would entice Burke. Like I said previously, the 24th overall is of interest, and I'm sure a player like Peter Holland would draw interest, but I think Burke is looking for something tangible. I'd be very, very surprised if Burke didn't get an NHL roster player back in a deal involving Kaberle.
Buffalo
2010 Draft Picks: 23rd overall, 68th, 75th, 83rd, 98th, 143rd, 173rd, 203rd, 208th
Now this is a team that makes sense to me as a potential trade partner. With two of their veteran defenders heading to free-agency in Henrick Tallinder and Toni Lydman, Buffalo may be in the market, or should be in the market to add a legit top-pairing defender into their fold. And really, the idea of a Tyler Myers/Tomas Kaberle pairing sounds pretty dominating.
But again, the question is what would Buffalo give up? Right away Jason Pominville is a player who comes to mind. He hasn't had the same type of season he had since he put up 80 points in 2007-08 but he is a good scorer, point producer, and is in the right age bracket (27) that would fit in well with the Maple Leafs. He does make a lot of money for his production at a 5.3m cap hit, but there is no doubting that the Maple Leafs could use his skill. Moving him also opens up some cap space for Buffalo, but would they want to move him for a player on a one-year deal?
I don't think Kaberle would have much of a problem re-signing in Buffalo. If his preference is to stay in the East, it seems ideal given the proximity to Toronto - thus not having to move his family too far. Pominville may seem like a high price to pay, but when dealing inter-division there is usually a high price to be paid.
Another player of interest would be Zack Kassian. With his legal troubles, and Buffalo putting negotiations with him on a hold, he may be more available now than ever. That's not to say he'd just be a throw in either. Buffalo wants to start developing some sizable forwards to compliment their top-six so moving Kassian won't be easy for them.
And what of Drew Stafford? His leash seems to be shortening each season with Buffalo management and he could be a target to be moved. Would Burke accept a Stafford + 1st round pick for Tomas Kaberle? I'd say probably not, but it is comparable to the return Brian Campbell received when he was dealt to San Jose. Steve Bernier, a player who had 2nd line potential (but needed a change of scenery) and a 1st round selection. The difference is Kaberle would be around for a full season before being a UFA, whereas Campbell was a two month rental.
In conclusion ...
It would seem Buffalo is the best destination for Kaberle. They seem to be the best 'fit' in terms of what Burke would want, Buffalo could offer, and where Kaberle would be most likely to sign long term. But on the other hand, would Burke want to send him to a division rival? Having to play Kaberle multiple times a year and have him haunt the Maple Leafs? This is another factor to consider.
Will he be dealt to Buffalo? No one knows, and Burke is on record saying Darcy Regier (Buffalo's GM) is one of the hardest to deal with. Either way, we're bound to find out in the coming weeks. Until then, all we can do is sit back and continue to speculate, trying not to let our imaginations don't run too wild just to be disappointed when the return is not what 'we' would have liked.
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