36 Hours and Counting...

Leaf Nation's summer, has been full of speculation, rumours, hurt feelings, cancelled lunches, and of course the regular pessimism, and cynicism that is Leafs Nation. Brian Burke's handling of the Tomas Kaberle situation has been a media frenzy to say the least. What is Kaberle worth? Are you asking to much? Are you asking to little? He doesn't wanna leave, so why are you auctioning him off? Why havent you traded him yet? Are you waiting for the best deal? Are you running out of time? The media is a funny thing, schizophrenic even, and the longer Burke waits, the more people are questioning his strategy. If you ask me, I really stand no chance playing armchair general manager against a guy with one: 23 years executive hockey experience, and two:12 years as a General Manager in the NHL. The Stanley Cup ring in his wardrobe really questions my "expertise" as well.

But I digress, it is hard to believe that in less than 36 hours, this will all be done. All the time spent reading, checking rumours, and looking at other teams rosters and playing GM, is almost over. Soon, we will be looking at the basic Leafs roster for the season, and the cynics and Leaf haters will be on alert status red. Leaf fans have been waiting for this all summer, and with a fantastic Stanley Cup playoffs still in recent memory, the fans will surely be looking for more from there beloved blue and white this season, no question.

Kaberle is the only Leaf remaining from there previous two conference finals visits against Buffalo in 1998-99 and Carolina in 2000-02, and I know seeing games from then, it's understandable why Kaberle wants to wait1it out for a winner here, the atmosphere was fantastic. It would hurt to see him go, almost reminiscent of Mats Sundin, but at the end of the day, hockey is still a business, and if you can make a move to make your team better, you have to do it. Personally, as much as I like Kaberle's game, and his strong committment to the team, I think the Leafs stand to gain from moving him. If they can pick up a legitmate offensive threat, I think they get full value for him.

It is said that there are 10 teams that are interested in Kaberle's services. Although the list of 10 teams is not known officially, some teams have been kicking the tires the whole time (Devils,Kings, Bruins, Sharks, Sabres, Ducks), and others have just joined (Lightning,Stars). If Burke can pull some offensive talent off of any of these rosters, I believe it will be a step forward for the franchise.

The light is at the end of the tunnel, t-minus 36 hours, can't wait.

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