Quote:
Originally Posted by DanHibiki
That was expected long ago. He's been trying to get rid of him for years + Kaberle and Ron Wilson not getting along.
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There was nothing substantiated and both Wilson and Kaberle denied that story. Kaberle is definitely not a "Burke type player" but he did consider him a key asset in rebuilding the Leafs into his team. Kaberle loved Toronto and wanted to resign to remain a Leaf. If there was any rift, he had the power to screw Burke/Wilson/the Leafs by refusing to waive his No Trade Clause. Instead he chose to waive his NTC and help the Leafs acquire a prospect (Colborne), a first round draft pick(2011), and a conditional 2nd round draft pick (2012 if Kaberle resigned in Boston or they made the finals). That was much more than the anti-Leafs crowd was saying we would get for him. Kaberle had nothing but good things to say about Toronto following the trade. I was glad to see him raise the cup after 11 seasons with the Leafs even if it had to be in a Bruins jersey.
Once Kaberle was traded, there was immediate talk of replacing the position. He didn't have a great season or playoffs with the exception of the finals so I figured he would be willing to ask less and take a "hometown discount" on top of it to go back to Toronto as the Leafs still needed after he left. I only gave it the smallest of chances but as a Leaf fan I still had hope. It will be interesting to see where he ends up now.