Tomas Kaberle 2010-11 Preview

Atop the Leafs list of priorities to upgrade leading into the off season was to address the lack of scoring and size up front by acquiring a top six forward. The Leafs 214 goals scored last season ranked them 26th overall in the NHL. The lack of offense and the abundance of defenseman led to speculation that the Leafs were interested in moving veteran defenseman Tomas Kaberle for a top six winger who could compliment Phil Kessel. After months of speculation on where Kaberle could be headed, Kaberle stayed a member of the blue and white at the end of the day. The August 15th deadline came and gone without any activity. Two rumored deals that involved names like Ryan Malone from Tampa Bay and Derek Joslin from San Jose did not meet the expectations that Burke set before embarking on a summer long shopping trip.

Now that we know Kaberle is returning for another season – his thirteenth as a Leaf – we can safely pencil him in on the first defensive pairing with Dion Phaneuf. Kaberle’s smooth skating and puck moving abilities compliment that of Phaneuf, who can lay the body and tee up slap shots on the power play. Despite the outcome of not acquiring a top six forward, Kaberle brings irreplaceable qualities to the team that put the Leafs in good stead in a playoff atmosphere. Kaberle provides a smooth, stable presence from the backend and is a calming influence for younger players like Luke Schenn and Carl Gunnarsson.

Despite having the second worst power play in the league last season, the additions of Kris Versteeg and Clarke MacArthur and the Leafs decision to retain Kaberle, give the team a strong chance of improving upon last season’s numbers.

Kaberle will never be considered a punishing defenceman, nor will he ever be counted on to lead the team in blocked shots. His designated role as a first pass, puck moving defenseman suits him well and will be an integral part of the Leafs bid to make the playoffs. Kaberle’s 21 minutes per game average is likely to decrease next season to give more opportunity for Carl Gunnarsson, although expect Kaberle to still score between 40 and 45 points. His -16 plus/minus last season was last on the team. If he plans on playing first pairing minutes, that number must be improved this season.

Kaberle’s contract expires next summer so the discussion over whether the Leafs will re-sign the veteran and the potential asking price will be hot topics throughout the season. Depending on where the Leafs sit in the post season race, the team will evaluate whether to ask his agent, Rick Curran, for a list of teams he’d accept a trade to. However, if the Leafs are in playoff contention, it would be wise to retain Kaberle, who has past playoff experience and has skills that come in handy in the playoffs. Letting him walk on July 1st, 2011 would be detrimental for the franchise, who have put years of development into him. Based on all indications, Kaberle and his agent are willing to discuss an extension, but will only settle for a long-term contract to finish out the rest of his career. Speculation was rampant all summer regarding his trade status, but it may be rampant once again on whether he will re-sign with the Leafs, be moved at the deadline or walk as a free agent next summer. Only time will tell.

2009-10 Statistics
82 games, 7 goals, 42 assists, 49 points, 24 penalty minutes

2010-11 Prediction
81 games, 6 goals, 39 assists, 47 points, 18 penalty minutes

3 Burning Questions

1 – Do you think Tomas Kaberle will be able to refocus on his game after a tumultuous off season filled with trade speculation and rumors about him not being interested in playing for Ron Wilson?

2 – Will Kaberle finish the season with Toronto or be asked for a list of teams that he’d accept a trade to at the trade deadline?

3 – If not, do you think he will re-sign with the Leafs or walk as a free agent next summer?

Feel free to chime in with your answers or share your predictions in the comments section.