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.
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