TSN is reporting that the Maple Leafs have received a "significant offer" in exchange for defenseman Tomas Kaberle. Kaberle has averaged roughly 50 points a season as a member of the Leafs the past 10 seasons. The Flyers are said to be the front runner offering Lupul, their 1st round pick, and a prospect. Burke traded Lupul from Anaheim years ago because he considered him too soft. Lupul has added that grit and edge since joining the Flyers in '07. The Panthers are interested in Kaberle as well, and Bouwmeester would be going the other way.
My take: Kaberle is a terrific puck moving defenseman who has established himself as one of the best powerplay quarterbacks in the league. Philly could use a guy like him as Matt Carle has proven himself to be inconsistent and Kimmo Timonen is getting older and doesn't have the shot from the point that Kaberle does. Philly wouldn't mind parting with Gagne or Briere because they need to clear some cap space. The play of rookie Claude Giroux has given Philly the luxury of trading those two. And Burke is interested in Gagne.
UPDATE (7:03 pm): From Blues insider Andy Strickland (very reliable source) Kaberle will not be moved until 7 PM tomorrow once the draft starts. He has a no-trade clause which won't come off until that time.
UPDATE (9:32 pm): Jay Bouwmeester is expected to be traded tonight. Vancouver looks like the front runner........tune back later for more.
UPDATE (12:31 am): If he is to be moved, Bouwmeester will not be until tomorrow. Vancouver/Toronto/Philly remain the top 3 teams in the running for J-Bo, with the Canucks leading the pack.
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