LOS ANGELES (Aug. 9) — On the 22nd anniversary of the day the Edmonton Oilers traded Wayne Gretzky out here to southern California, the Toronto Maple Leafs are still weighing offers for THEIR best player [though the comparison is kind of a stretch, isn’t it?].

With six days remaining in the contract window to deal Tomas Kaberle, overtures from rival teams have gone into “double digits”, according to Leafs’ GM Brian Burke. This would indicate a recent surge of offers, as the number had remained at five or six almost from the moment Kaberle’s no-movement clause temporarily lifted on June 25th. So, perhaps Burke will have something realistic to consider before next Sunday.

But, the simplest of mathematics continues to provide a cautionary tale in this trade “watch”… that being any number, times zero, equals zero. So, quantity of offers is not nearly as important to Burke as quality, and he still hasn’t been presented with anything close to a deal maker. What the Leafs’ manager wants, minimally, is a two-team wager for Kaberle, thus providing him leverage. GMs around the league constantly chat, so it’ll be difficult for Burke to concoct a bidding war for his defenseman. But, if at least two rival managers are sincerely interested in landing Kaberle, they’ll both know about it and the last-minute price could rise.

Those who are expecting a trade, however, could be disappointed. If Burke simply wanted to get rid of Kaberle, he’d have done so by now. Perhaps if Kaberle were a forward, a deal would have long ago been completed. But, the old hockey adage that you can never have too many defensemen is clearly playing a role in this scenario. There is virtually no chance the Leafs will go through the entire 2010-11 NHL season without long-term injury to one or two of their blue-liners. Therefore, what seems like a glut, or stockpile, at the position right now will not be so during the 82-game schedule. Talented defensemen stand alongside starting goalies among precious items in the NHL, and that’s why Burke is genuine when he claims he’ll be more than content to retain Kaberle in the absence of a perfect offer.

But, a half-dozen feelers on the weekend has expanded to double digits today. So, let’s see if a rival GM is willing to step from the on-deck circle to the plate before Sunday.

E-mail [email protected]

Join the Discussion: » Comments » Post New Comment

» Roenick Remembers the "Dagger"

» Reminiscing With Hockey's Best-Ever Name

» Could Coyotes Howl North of Toronto?

» Leaf Fans Don't Know Pressure

» Could Lui Be Toronto-Bound?