Checking From Behind Pulling No Punches

Leafs GM Brian Burke has a decision to make this year. What to do with Ian White and Tomas Kaberle? White is a RFA at the end of the season, and certainly deserves a raise around the $2.5M range. Kaberle is signed to a $4.25M contract through to next season, but will likely command a raise of around $5.75-6M the following season.

With Burke already committing so much money to the blueline for the next several seasons with the signings of Mike Komisarek and Francois Beauchemin, it is unlikely or unjustifiable from a cap perspective to keep both men.

Burke could try to move Jeff Finger in order to free up space to resign the two of them. But that is easier said than done, and even then, that is still a lot of cap space invested in the back end, with the salary cap expected to drop.

So Burke has a decision to make. Who to invest in moving forward, Kaberle or White?

In my opinion, the Beauchemin signing was not necessary, as the Leafs already had a very similar, cheaper and younger player in Ian White, who now needs a raise. This combined with the fact that Burke didn’t even see White in his top-six at the beginning of the year, could lead one to believe that White could be moved come the trade deadline.

However White’s play may suggest otherwise. He has consistently proven himself to be a valuable asset to the team. It’s hard to imagine where this defense-corps would be without him. That said his value has never been higher. A team looking for puckmoving depth on the blueline for the playoffs, without breaking the bank, would certainly be interested in White.

So what would Burke be looking for in return? He has reportedly already turned down offers of a 2^nd round pick in 2010 for the defenseman. Is it possible to get a 1^st rounder for White, due to his reliable play and cheap contract? Maybe a 2^nd rounder + a bluechip prospect or young roster player of Burke’s liking? Hard to imagine, but I can’t see White being dealt for anything less.

Now the fact that Kaberle is signed through next season means there is no need for the GM to rush. Burke could re-sign White, and if the Leafs fail to make the playoffs, look at dealing Kaberle at the draft or in the off season. If Kaberle can keep this kind of pace for the majority of the year, the off season offers from other teams will be much higher than the ones received this summer. Making it more likely for Burke to receive the knock-my-socks-off deal he is looking for.

You’ve got to believe that Burke is putting some serious thought into this. And it is not an easy decision at all. The Leafs need picks and prospect depth… and both defensemen’s value are at an all-time high. However, there is also the need to remain competitive. Can the Leafs roster afford to lose one of these players?

What would you do if you were in Brian Burke’s shoes right now? Would you trade Kaberle or White, and what would you be looking for in return? Or would you try to keep them both, and if so, how would you dump excess cap space on the blueline to fit them both in?

Some tough questions for the Leafs GM.