Rumor: Wings may swap for Kaberle

[RedStormRising 7]

Saw this today on ESPN*: Wings may swap for Kaberle. If Lidstrom retires...

Is there any truth to this rumor or what are the possible scenarios that you see could unfold?

How do you feel about Kaberle?

Personally I'd love to see him in the winged-wheel if it was for the right price.

*Most likely a baseless claim with no merit.

Edit: RUMOR not RUMER! I've been awake for far too long...

Edited May 22, 2010 by RedStormRising

[Opie 308]

Not a fan, to tell you the truth. Kaberle has been a disappointment for the majority of his career imo.

IMO he would be the 4th best d-man on the team behind Ralf, Stuart, and Kronwall. But then again just my opinion.

[Real1 2]

If you saw it on ESPN, that would be why it is a rumER.

[eva unit zero 271]

If you saw it on ESPN, that would be why it is a rumER.

Overall, I might take him ahead of Stuart or Rafalski. The thing is, to acquire Kaberle it means one or more of the following if Lids is returning:

1) Stuart or Kronwall is in the deal.

2) Filppula or Hudler AND Ericsson or Kindl are in the deal.

That's the only way we see enough salary go back the other way without dealing Cleary or Rafalski. Cleary won't want to go to Toronto, and Rafalski has said his is so he can retire in Detroit. Plus it makes Kaberle the #3 defenseman on the team with even LESS physical presence on the defense.

If Lids is retiring, it means that the Wings are dealing one of Kindl or Ericsson plus some mediocre 19-22 year old prospect and a mid-round pick, and Kaberle takes up some of the cap space that Lids vacated and everyone here had slotted for his return. It also means that Kaberle is probably playing on the second pair with Rafalski while the third pair is composed of Lilja/Meech/Kindl/Ericsson. But getting Kaberle likely means giving up one of Kindl or Ericsson, a large-bodied, offensively skilled defenseman who has been highly touted.

[Pucks 66]

Horrible recommendations in this thread, just dreadful. ESPN has less credibility less than Ecklund.

[dicksmack 33]

Overall, I might take him ahead of Stuart or Rafalski. The thing is, to acquire Kaberle it means one or more of the following if Lids is returning:

1) Stuart or Kronwall is in the deal.

2) Filppula or Hudler AND Ericsson or Kindl are in the deal.

That's the only way we see enough salary go back the other way without dealing Cleary or Rafalski. Cleary won't want to go to Toronto, and Rafalski has said his is so he can retire in Detroit. Plus it makes Kaberle the #3 defenseman on the team with even LESS physical presence on the defense.

If Lids is retiring, it means that the Wings are dealing one of Kindl or Ericsson plus some mediocre 19-22 year old prospect and a mid-round pick, and Kaberle takes up some of the cap space that Lids vacated and everyone here had slotted for his return. It also means that Kaberle is probably playing on the second pair with Rafalski while the third pair is composed of Lilja/Meech/Kindl/Ericsson. But getting Kaberle likely means giving up one of Kindl or Ericsson, a large-bodied, offensively skilled defenseman who has been highly touted.

I was about to say nobody would want a bona fide bust (yes, I called it years ago) like Kindl but then again we are talking about the Maple Leafs here . Pass on Kaberle... we don't need a soft pp specialist dman who doesn't like to shoot from the point,

t dman.

[GMRwings1983 8,803]

I don't like those rosy red cheeks of his.

He did, however, go 4 for 4 in the "Most Accurate Shoooter" in the All-Star Game competition, so he must be great, right?

[SaCkaveli20 275]

I guess i'm alone liking this idea? lol

[Mitchmac33 103]

does anyone know kaberle's contract right now? like salary and years remaining?

[Motown4013 350]

I am probably in the minority but I actually wouldnt mind Kaberle if Lids retires. We would need a veteran...and Raffi doesnt seem to embrace that role. In terms of Defensemen that are good puck movers at a reasonable price (he made 4.2 mill last year) he is not a bad option. We play Raffi 6 million and some of the guys that are in Tomas's caliber are making 7 million (thinking of Campbell and Redden- both GIGANTICALLY overpaid) No one is going to replace Lids...but I am sure he would come here and take a little less to be on a winning team.

Kaberle has averaged around 40 points a season the last 5 years playing with no real secondary d-men until the latter part of this year but he was hurt for a time.

If Burkie wants to deal Kaberle, I doubt he wants anything from Detroit that he could get (like Pavs or Hank)- he wants to clear up capspace so he can sign the biggest UFA-Kovalchuk.

[Motown4013 350]

does anyone know kaberle's contract right now? like salary and years remaining?

4.25 Million and a UFA next year 2011

[Blood On The Ice 15]

Horrible recommendations in this thread, just dreadful. ESPN has less credibility less than Ecklund.

As soon as I read the story, I thought it sounded like something Eklund would post.

Edited May 22, 2010 by Blood On The Ice

[VM1138 1,921]

Kaberle is like Mike Green without the offensive skills. No thanks. Especially for what he'll cost.

[eva unit zero 271]

Kaberle is like Mike Green without the offensive skills. No thanks. Especially for what he'll cost.

Kaberle is much, much better than Green defensively, and although he doesn't have Green's offensive numbers, I don't think the skill set is as far apart as the numbers are. I would definitely take Kaberle over Green.

[T-Ruff 47]

[MCleveland89 122]

Couldn't be summed up any better.

[13dangledangle 968]

lol I don't like this idea at ALL!! Kaberle obviously a good Dman but not what need (imo), especially if were trading for him

[SweWings 45]

Given what Detroit would have to give up for this trade to go through - me no likey.

[wingscapsfan 1]

I beg to differ, Kaberle is not better than Green defensively in my opinion. He makes enough defensive mistakes as well, and his offensive game is nowhere near Greens.

Kaberle is much, much better than Green defensively, and although he doesn't have Green's offensive numbers, I don't think the skill set is as far apart as the numbers are. I would definitely take Kaberle over Green.

[Motown4013 350]

Given what Detroit would have to give up for this trade to go through - me no likey.

If we didnt have to give up anything except picks, and its a cap dump for the Leafs, do you like it? Meaning do you think he could be an asset to the team? I agree that he could easily be a 50-60pt guy on the Wings because he is dying in Toronto.

[SweWings 45]

If we didnt have to give up anything except picks, and its a cap dump for the Leafs, do you like it? Meaning do you think he could be an asset to the team? I agree that he could easily be a 50-60pt guy on the Wings because he is dying in Toronto.

Sure but given that he's UFA after next season it's always going to be awkward unless Detroit only gives up very little. And the Leafs will most likely ask for prospects not just picks given that Detroit's picks aren't very high up the charts so to speak.

But yeah if a deal could be made where Detroit wouldn't have to give up much then sure I'd like the guy. Not looking for someone who can replace Lidström just someone who can get the job done and Kaberle could be that guy.

[HankthaTank 1,100]

Sooo give up Stuart or Kronner for Kaberle and pretty much surrender ANY toughness in the defensive zone....

NAHHHHH

[BillyMMG 1]

I think it's not so easy now to say what play Kaberle will be able to make next season, if RW sign him. The only NHL team he played for is Maple Leafs. What could he show in WC and especcialy in WC playoffs? I don't know....

His salary is 4.25. I believe there are some other good attacking defensmen in 4-5 scope, who could replace Nick.

[magicaldatsyuk 6]

its not going to happen because lidstroms not retiring.

[Cover3 2]

I'd take him over rafalski, IF he could be traded