NHL: Teams Tomas Kaberle could possibly go to
The Toronto Maple Leaf defenseman Tomas Kaberle, is almost near the end of his career with an expiring contract. However the 32 year old still has a demand on the market and he is a player who franchises know still has the ability to upgrade a team’s defence. Tomas is a blueliner who has a contract worth $4.25 million, and if the Leaf’s want to keep him they will have to match the offers he will soon be offered from a bunch of NHL teams.
Taking an overview of different franchises and their cap space, current defensemen on the roster, let us determine what teams have space and might want Tomas on their team:
Los Angeles Kings have $16,104,166 cap space and have six defensemen already on their roster.
Drew Doughty is signed on for a one year contract for $3.48 million, Rob Scuderi for a three year contract worth $3.4 million, Matt Greene for four years with a contract worth $2.95 million, Jack Johnson for $1.43 million over a one year period, Davis Drewiske for three years with a contract worth $0.62 million and Peter Harrold for $0.58 million over a one year contract.
Analyzing the current situation, the Kings have a lot of cap space and although their roster is full of elite defensemen. Rob Scuderi is a Stanley Cup winner, while Matt Greene is known for his amazing ability as a leader. However Experts say if Drew Doughty leaves the Kings after his one year contract expires, it could create space for Tomas and they could easily offer him an attractive contract.
Anaheim Ducks current cap space is 15,551,250 with five defensemen on their roster. Lubomir Visnovsky is signed on for a three year contract worth $5.6 million, Toni Lydman for a three year contract worth $3million, Sheldon Brookbank for 0.75 million over a two year period, Brendan Mikkelson for one year with a contract worth $.0.69 million and Brett Festerling for also one year with a contract worth $0.53 million.
Experts say with two of their defensemen retiring by the end of next year, Kaberle could be a great pick for the Ducks. Brookbank and Brett are two average defensemen, and by putting Kaberle on their team they could really attract a lot of attention towards the team. Critics say for a team who tried equipping itself with the best defence team failed in doing so, which makes Kaberle the best prospect for the team.
This year Montreal Canadiens has a long list of defensemen on their roster including Andre Markov who is signed for a $5.75 million for just one year, Roman Hamrlik is also signed on for a year for $5.5 million, Jaroslav Spacek for two years with a contract $3.83 million, P.K Subban for a two year deal worth $0.88 million followed by Hal Gill for $2.25 million, Josh Gorges for $1.1 million and Ryan O’Byrne for $0.94 million all over a period of just one year. The Canadiens cap space this year is $4.728,273.
Canadiens are famous for their big defence team which they draft each year which helps them get through the playoffs. With three of their top players’ contract expiring by the end of this year, the defensemen are likely to demand more money and at this point it will be really smart for the Canadiens to acquire Kaberle. Experts say by adding him to the team will greatly benefit, first by opening up cap space and secondly they will create a lot of controversy in the NHL by stealing Kaberle from their long term rivals the Toronto Maple Leafs.
With that concluded, Kaberle is not only a player with extreme talent; the aging star has still got a lot of potential and the ability to be a ruthless defenseman. He scored 22 points in the 20 games this season and was the leader in NHL defenseman scoring. For any team to get a hold of this veteran will be dream come true.
Tags: