- Michael Traikos of the National Post: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke was on the Fan590/Hockey Central at Noon yesterday. For Audio of complete interview, June 1st link, about the 1:40 mark. Highlights from the conversation … It’s not a priority to add a 1st round pick as much as the ‘media’ says it should be. He’s added a lot of assets to the team without using any draft picks. He’ll look to add a piece through trade or through free agency. “Our biggest need is we need a forward who can score, preferably a good-sized one.” Traikos thinks Patrick Sharp or Bobby Ryan would be great additions (Sharp is possible, Ryan isn’t going anywhere). Two teams have made inquiries about Tomas Kaberle that were more then just ‘nibbles’. “That’s the next step: to see what’s there. But it’s not a case of let’s take the best offer. It’s more a case of if we get something that makes sense we’re going to do it. If not, we’re going to keep him.” Nazem Kadri won’t be just handed a roster spot next season, he’ll have to earn it.
- Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: After the 2 teams inquired about Tomas Kaberle, the Maple Leafs sent a letter out to all teams explaining how Kaberle’s ‘no-trade’ clause works. From the NHL Draft (June 25th) to mid-August, Kaberle’s no-trade clause is suspended, so Burke is able to send him anywhere without Kaberle’s consent.
“We have not committed to trading him,” said Burke, “but it’s my job to listen and to see what’s available for him. It’s not a case of taking the best offer. It’s more a case of if we get something that makes sense, we’re going to do it. If not we’ll keep him. He’s a good player, he wants to stay and he’s at a good price.”
Burke confirms that Rickard Wallin won’t be back with the club next year as he’s signed with a Swedish team. Former NHLer Claude Loiselle has been named assistant GM and will be focussing on “collective bargaining, contract negotiations, salary arbitration and cap management.”
