TSN’s Darren Dreger is reporting Thursday that Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle is very close to a trade to the Boston Bruins.
Dreger said his daily report on the Canadian sports channel’s website that “there is strong belief” that the 12-year NHL veteran will be dealt to the Bruins, despite issues that have prevented a similar trade previously.
“It’s unlikely the deal gets done today, but sources say it’s close and say the deal doesn’t hinge on Kaberle signing an extension with the Bruins.”
Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke and Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli were reportedly talking trades while Maple Leafs were in town on Tuesday evening.
But how would a well-known defenseman like Kaberle fit under the Bruins’ already tight salary cap? Dreger sees the Bruins having to undergo a secondary trade, possibly including Blake Wheeler, to make any Kaberle deal work:
“Cap space is somewhat of an issue for the Bruins – who are believed to be working on a secondary trade (not involving Toronto) to create some cap flexibility. With the addition of Chris Kelly, Blake Wheeler has become a likely target – primarily because of his $2.2 million salary.”