Leafs’ GM Burke tells The Sports Hub he’s talking with Bruins
Kaberle
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke was on 98.5 The Sports Hub today with Felger & Massarotti and was asked if he’s in talks with the Bruins about a trade.
“Yes,” he replied.
When pressed about specifics, Burke explained that there are certain things he will not reveal and then said the following about veteran defenseman Tomas Kaberle.
“I have no problem telling you what we’re talking about within certain parameters. The player you’re asking about is a player, Tomas Kaberle, his agent has asked that all discussions regarding this player be kept quiet,” said Burke. “That’s been respected by him, by the agent; it’s been respected by any of the clubs that have asked about him; and it’s certainly going to be respected by me. So we’d have to stop the discussion there if that’s the player we’re talking about and I’m going to respect the player’s wishes if that is the player we’re talking about. … We have had discussions with the Bruins, there is no barrier to that. There’s no hard feelings.”
So after I consult my “lawyer decoder ring” — which also comes in handy after speaking with Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli — Burke is talking to the Bruins about Kaberle, a player Boston has pursued since at least June 2009, when a deal fell through involving Phil Kessel because of a misunderstanding over a first-round pick. After all, it was Burke that brought up Kaberle’s name with solicitation. He can’t talk about Kaberle, but he can refer to him by name? Great stuff. Obviously, Burke is trying to push things along regardless of the wishes of the agent or the other teams involved in a potential trade.
Burke would not say if Kaberle has been asked to waive his no-trade clause or if he has done so. Sportsnet.ca today reported that Kaberle has only waived the NTC to go to Boston.
He also said he is not talking to the Bruins about re-acquiring the Leafs’ first-round pick.
So maybe there is a better chance of the Bruins getting a deal done than I thought. Yesterday I thought the odds were 50/50, now I’d increase that to 70/30.
Later in the show, Bruins President Cam Neely, without mentioning specific players or teams, said the Bruins are close to a deal.
[...] at Boston Bruins, 7 p.m. ET. Brian Burke’s Tomas Kaberle tease on Boston radio followed by Cam Neely saying the Bruins were close to a deal has totally sucked the fun out of Phil Kessel In Boston Night. OK, not [...]
Kaberle will go to Vancouver (who have lost 6 D to injuries in the past 3 weeks, with several of those injuries serious enough to last through the playoffs w=from what I gather) , and Bogosian will go to Boston. In the long run, I’d prefer Bogo to Kaberle. His salary is lower, his prime is ahead of him and since B’s won’t get past Philly this spring anyway, I say go for Bogo!
Some of the stupidest comments I’ve ever seen out there.
Either everyone is sadly misinformed, or just prefer to keep their intellectuality in the fridge beside the pickles.
Some of you suggesting that Lucic will be changing area codes arent even close to the mark. You don’t change the future of your physical team, by trading one of your most promising physical forwards since Cam Neely.
Toronto doesnt want to acquire UFA contracts (like Paille), nor do we want to absorb more defensemen (like Stuart) However, something of substanstial value will have to go to the Leafs, especially since it’s a Seller’s Market.
Beauchemin went for a shitty contract and a B Prospect. Versteeg (initially Toronto traded Stallberg and friends to nab him off a cash-crunching Chicago team) went for a 1st and a 3rd.
Kaberle is one of the most underrated skaters and passers in the league. He’s a beast on the PP, and any team would be fortunate to get him. When Boston fans are offended to hear Marchand/Wheeler and a 1st rounder may be going for him. You should seriously be thinking that it’s close to highway robbery.
As the deadline approaches, his value will only increase as competitive bids fall into Burke’s lap. The man isnt the most savvy of GMs, but the man seriously knows how to position himself at this time.
I wouldnt be surprised if they got better from a Nashville team (Kaberele probably knows fellow Czech Martin Erat), San Jose (PP dreamteam), Tampa Bay (re-absorb Kubina’s contract + 2 1sts + prospect) or even the Stars (needs him the most, looking to make a big splash this playoffs)
LOL, some people on that board think we’re giving up Krejci for Kaberle! Like I said, my comment above stands. Actually what really makes sense is Wheeler & Stuart for Kaberle and a 3rd round pick.
Problem with Sportsnet.ca and just Sportsnet in general is that they think the Leafs are the best, and that teams bend over backwards to accommodate the Leafs’ best interest. I can’t even watch their highlight show anymore because on nights they play, not only are the game highlights front and centre, but then there will be some “analysis” from their “hockey panel” which will last til the 15 minute mark of the show. I find they rarely even show Bruins highlights, losing attention to Leafs highlights from that night or what practice was like that day. It’s blows my mind how a station can put such a crappy team front and centre ALL the time. Wheeler and Paille for Kaberle sounds fair. Please….please do it. Do it now.
Why are we even talking about this. The Bruins have far greater needs than a defenseman. They should be concentrating on a forward like Kovalev. Someone who probably wouldn’t cost them much and will address the need to upgrade their pathetic power play going into the playoffs. In hindsight, wouldn’t the B’s look good right about now with the roster they have plus Phil Kessel and Kris Versteeg (one questionable trade based on what we’ve seen so far from Tyler Seguin and one horrible trade from the early Chiarelli days).
Can we get Kaberle one of those red jerseys for tonights game, like the injured players wear so nobody hits them?
‘Only to Boston’?! Wow.. that’s gotta help the price some… Looks like Johnny ManChuk is on the way north. But.. with who or what else. Could it be Hamill or Caron or just a pick?
[...] at Boston Bruins, 7 p.m. ET. Brian Burke’s Tomas Kaberle tease on Boston radio followed by Cam Neely saying the Bruins were close to a deal has totally sucked the fun out of Phil Kessel In Boston Night. OK, not [...]
I think Wheeler is on the move for Kaberle straight up. Do I think this is an even deal? No. Do I think that this deal is close to being even, close enough perhaps that we have to give just a little bit more to out bid other teams that Burke is talking to? Yes. Remember that Burke is American, and Wheeler is also American, not to mention that Kessel (also American) and Wheeler are real buddy buddy and would probably play on the top line together for the rest of the season. Burke said that he was interested in getting a winger, pretty much a replacement for Versteeg, and I agree that Lucic and Marchand are not going anywhere. Keep an eye out in tonight’s match to see who is sitting for both teams. Things could get real when this game is over and tomorrow hits.
I’m guessing that the Leafs want Boston’s first rounder and Chiarelli thinks that’s a bit too rich. I’d like to see Boston’s First and Minnesota’s Second for Kaberle and the Leaf’s Second. (But maybe that’s just me looking through my black-and-gold-tinted glasses?)
Who the hell do they think he is? Lucic, Wheeler or Marchand AND a first? I wouldn’t give up a first or any of those players for Kaberle. A second and a third round pick at most.
P.S> people on sportsnet.ca are commenting on that article suggesting that Kabby will be moved for Lucic, Wheeler or Marchand and a first rounder. These people need to get over themselves talking about Looch or Marchand being moved.
What are the odds that a deal is done tonight, and that Kaberle remains with the B’s? Hmmmmm
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