Kovy the New Favre?

So apparently....Kovalchuk hasn't signed with New Jersey? In a strange turn of events, the earlier reports of Kovalchuk signing with the Devils have been rescinded, and it is reported that negotiations are back on with the Kings, who were earlier reported as out of the running. One things for sure, Kovalchuk is probably not making any friends around the league, with this kind of Brett Farvesque performance. He set a deadline of today to make a decision, but has now pushed it back furthur. Seems he enjoys the spotlight, shocking really.

However the Maple Leafs made a move on the free agent front today, signing veteran defenceman and former Red Wing Brett Lebda, to a two year $1.45 million (US) a season. In 2008, when Detroit won the Cup, Lebda played in 19 playoff games and averaged 12:33 of ice time.The 5-foot-9 Lebda, was born in Buffalo Grove, Ill., and was a CCHA all-star with Notre Dame, with 85 points in 152 games. He signed with Detroit as a free agent six years ago this month and has 68 points in 326 regular-season games, many of them paired with Chris Chelios.

This signing would appear like the almost certain end of Tomas Kaberle's career with the Leafs. If you include Jeff Finger the Leafs have eight NHL ready defenceman, the others are: Dion Phaneuf, Francois Beauchemin, Mike Komisarek, Luke Schenn, Carl Gunnarsson, Lebda and Kaberle. Where Kaberle goes is still the million dollar question but Burke has stated he has 5 offers and an insult at this point. It is also rumoured the LA Kings have garnered the most interest, but this would probably largely be depending on what happens with the Kovalchuk saga.

Buffalo, New Jersey, and Anaheim, have also showed interest, but Burke's going to go anywhere he can get the best deal. Burke's getting ready to pull the trigger on a big deal and I can't wait to see his brainstorm. Stay Tuned Leafs Nation