The ball's in Kaberle's court
Until defenceman squashes speculation, it will rage on
By MIKE ZEISBERGER, Toronto Sun
When Brian Burke was asked about the status of defenceman Tomas Kaberle earlier this month, he was quite abrupt with his response.
“This is the last time I will answer this – I am not going to ask Tomas Kaberle to waive his no-trade clause,” Burke said at the time.
That hasn’t stopped the internet from being flooded with reports that Kaberle, in fact, might be willing to waive it in order to go to a number of pre-determined eastern conference teams.
Until Kaberle himself squashes the speculation, the talk will continue up to Wednesday’s trade deadline. Of course, these rumours have been going on for more than two years – and he’s still a Leaf.
Should the Leafs miss the playoffs. Kaberle’s no-trade clause is moot from the June draft through Aug. 15.
Loose Leafs
With the squad split into two teams Fridays, players had a friendly financial wager on the outcome of their 3-on-3 game. Sure enough, those fortunate members of Team Exelby received a modest monetary windfall and were presented a makeshift trophy for winning the event.
“They could have given us a block of wood for a trophy and we wouldn’t have cared,” Exelby said … The Leafs will resume regular practice Saturday, with Team Sweden goalie Jonas Gustavsson expected to rejoin the team from the Olympics. Sunday’s practice will be held in front of an expected sold-out crowd at Oshawa’s GM Centre.
http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2010/02/26/13048441.html