Leafs Sign Kaberle to Five-Year Extension

[swhite]

John Ferguson, vice-president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced Saturday evening that defenceman Tomas Kaberle has agreed to a five-year contract extension (2006-07 to 2010-11).

‘’Tomas represents a core part of our organization and we rely on him to play in all situations,” said Ferguson. “Tomas figured to be one of the young premier free agents in the off-season and we are pleased that he is committed to being a big part of our future success.”

Kaberle, 27, is currently fifth among all NHL defencemen with 43 points and tied for third with 37 assists. His average ice time per game mark of 28:04 is fourth overall in the NHL trailing only Nicklas Lidstrom (28:41), Chris Pronger (28:15) and teammate Bryan McCabe (28:08). His powerplay point total of 31 is the league’s ninth-highest mark and his 27 powerplay assists is second among all NHL players (Lidstrom). He is currently third in team scoring this season with 43 points (six goals, 37 assists). In 499 career NHL games, all with Toronto, he has 47 goals and 220 assists for 267 points.

Starting next week, Kaberle will participate on the Czech Republic entry at the Winter Olympic Games for the second consecutive time in his career.

The native of Rakovnik, Czech Republic was Toronto’s 13th choice, 204th overall, in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft.

[Belini]

What a waste of money. We could have gotten a real defenceman for half that.

[scrapper62]

he's almost as bad as Kvasha

[BROKEN*ORBITAL]

Thank you to Belini and Scrapper for their asinine input. If you want to comment on something try backing it up with a reason or some facts. You demonstrate nothing when you post

"He's almost as bad as Kvasha"

or

"We could have gotten a real defenceman for half that"

Would either of you care to explain your statements, or are you both satisfied with your second rate posts?

As I see it, four million a year is satisfactory for Kaberle. He's 5th in the league in blue line scoring and is Bryan McCabe's wheel man on the PP. He's got great vision and imagination, incredible poise and he can settle a play down when necessary. When it comes to advancing the puck up the ice he can make the long pass or skate it out himself. His downside is his soft defensive play. I find that to be more a coaching problem though as Quinn should have someone mean (cough cough Brendan Witt) playing alongside him. McCabe is good for points, but his physical play has gone south this year. Ken Klee is a sound d-man, but I think Kaberle needs someone tougher than that flanking him. Either way he's an integral part of the Leafs blue line staff and Leaf fans should be happy he'll be around for a while. Next up is inking McCabe long term.

Oh and Belini and Scrapper, take notes because that's how you do it.

[brawls16]

Great signing! Possibly the best thing John Ferguson has done thus far during his tenure.

He's the biggest pu$$y in the league no doubt, but he also has some of the best passing ability on the blue line.

[BoondockSaint]

he makes mccabe everything he is.

[canuckfan]

Ferguson just pulled another boner. What a waste of money. Signing Kaberle to a long term deal I can understnad, but for 4 million bucks a year? Way too much for this bum.

[BM24]

McCabe loves playing with Kaberle, so this deal is probably bait to lure McCabe back with.

Kaberle wears an "A" on his jersey when certain players are injured and him paired with McCabe are a great combo. That being said, when McCabe was injured the team did go on a huge losing streak and Kaberle did nothing to get them out of it.

It seems like a lot of money to give Kaberle...especially if they do not sign McCabe. If they do, then I will be fine with this.

[Cat Smasher]

Originally Posted by BM24

McCabe loves playing with Kaberle, so this deal is probably bait to lure McCabe back with.

Kaberle wears an "A" on his jersey when certain players are injured and him paired with McCabe are a great combo. That being said, when McCabe was injured the team did go on a huge losing streak and Kaberle did nothing to get them out of it.

It seems like a lot of money to give Kaberle...especially if they do not sign McCabe. If they do, then I will be fine with this.

He got exactly what he deserved this guy is a rare consistant player, doesnt throw away the puck like he used to, and most of all he gets points!!! this guy is a point per game player as a defencemen which is dam good. What u guys have to understand is either we give him 4.25 now or he goes to another team. Him not being from Ontario his will to play for Toronto isnt as strong as u might think so if u dont lock him up say bye bye to a key player. What would u guys suggest they do? Low ball kaberle, piss him off and make him feel unworthy and go somewhere else??? good signing with our weak defence this was nessesary!!!

On the other hand...if this was to BAIT McCabe, now your looking at atleast 10 mill for dmen...

[nilan30]

He doesn't fight and he looks like a 12 year old so this is probably a bad signing.

[All Heart]

PP stats are so easy to point to in cases like this...

One doesn't have to fight, one doesn't have to clock 200 PIM's, but for gods sake get a little mean out there and make the opposition battle for that positioning - ESPECIALLY if you're on D!

I just don't believe 7-game playoff wars are won with Kaberle's. He's offensively productive but without an edge of any kind.

[Lars24]

I like the signing, Kaberle has the vision on the ice and is a proven passer. He is a little soft which most likely will not change. A heavy price tag though but one has to remember that the Leafs will have him through his prime years now. Hopefully that will help sway Mcabe to stay as well. I just hope it does not present future cap issues that is a helluva lot of cash to keep Kaberle.

[DallasStars]

Originally Posted by Lars24

I just hope it does not present future cap issues that is a helluva lot of cash to keep Kaberle.

That's a very good point. I could have seen the Leafs doling out this kind of offer to McCabe (and who's to say they won't). But with Kaberle signed and sealed, it sure will be interesting to see what offer goes McCabe's way. I can see that coming immediately following the Olympics.

[nilan30]

Originally Posted by wendel is god

PP stats are so easy to point to in cases like this...

One doesn't have to fight, one doesn't have to clock 200 PIM's, but for gods sake get a little mean out there and make the opposition battle for that positioning - ESPECIALLY if you're on D!

I just don't believe 7-game playoff wars are won with Kaberle's. He's offensively productive but without an edge of any kind.

Look at Nicklas Lidstrom. He's not physical at all yet he's won several Norriseses and cups. I heard he had one career roughing penalty going into last season.