Kubina and Kaberle are a perfect fit

So it's 8:32AM, about 6 hours before my normal wakeup time, and I thought I'd make a thread about the two hotly contested Toronto defensemen.

Tomas Kaberle - a premier offensive defenseman in this league. He's soft, not a world-beater defensively, yadda yadda. Those claims may have merit, however Kaberle epitomizes everything New Jersey needs in a defenseman - great outlet passing, good skating, and quarterbacking skills on the powerplay. He more or less replaces what Rafalski gave New Jersey for so long. An extremely manageable cap hit of $4.25M which does not expire until after 2010-2011. The Devils' need for a top pairing offensive defender isn't going to be solved by splurging in free agency this off-season, so Kaberle presents a viable short and long term option.

Asking price? 2009 1st, Clarkson, Corrente

Pavel Kubina - lacking some of the offensive panache of Kaberle, Kubina makes up for it with his size and solid defensive play. Major weakness is Kubina's propensity to play with a lack of urgency, allowing himself to be caught in la-la land from time to time. His contract stands at $5M annum, and runs through 2009-2010. Again, Kubina presents a more long-term solution, as he'd be the top pairing defender the Devils desire for next season as well. Those concerned about Kaberle's supposed "softness" can take solace in Kubina, who can dish it out when need be, though he doesn't necessarily go searching for contact. I really like his hard, low slapshot. We haven't had a defenseman score 10 goals in a season in quite a while.

Asking price? 2009 1st, Bergfors/Corrente

Essentially, the skillsets and especially the contracts of these two players make them terrific options for the Devils. Lou should be looking to add a player who's signed past this season, because as I said previously, the Devils defensive needs will only be exacerbated this off-season when Johnny Oduya is (IMO) likely to test the market. Kubina and Kaberle have cap-friendly contracts, at least relative to what some others have received. Another thing: Bouwmeester, Ohlund, etc., will all receive 4-5 year deals this off-season. New Jersey doesn't have the long-term payroll flexibility to do that, however Kubina and Kaberle are signed for a short enough period of time and have enough resale value to mitigate that quandary.

Nothing too legendary/original is presented here, but discuss...

I'd hate to give up my 1st round pick in such a deep draft.

I'd hate to give up my 1st round pick in such a deep draft.

Well, you have to give to get. If this is the year we're going for it, and all of Lou's actions indicate we are going for it, then you do whatever it takes to obtain the best possible team for the playoffs. Kubina or Kaberle would both bring a top pairing defenseman to our otherwise bottom four defense (disregarding Martin).

also I don't like Kubina nor Kaberle, for what we'd have to give up, that is.

This team is in serious need of a right handed, solid d-man...which is probably why I would prefer Kubina over Kaberle. But his salary is too high and it would probably cost too much to get him.

But I guess if Lou is desperate for a d-men he'll go for it. We'll have to wait and see.

I'd hate to give up my 1st round pick in such a deep draft.
I agree. I really, really don't want to trade that pick.

But, if we are going to go for it and trade that pick for a defenseman, I'd rather have Kaberle than Kubina.

I think this is the year to trade your 1st round pick if you are going to be in the bottom 10-12 picks. The quality there is not nearly as bountiful as a top 10-15 pick. Lets leverage this years hype about the draft to pick up a player we wouldn't normally be in a position to trade for.

That being said I am not sure how I feel about either Kaberle or Kubina. It is one thing to trade for talent and another to find the right player who fits into the system. Look how good Niedermayer is running all around for Anaheim, he wouldn't ever be allowed to play like that for the Devils, just not our way.

Just my two cents.

Truth is, we have no idea what the asking price for these players is.

Truth is, we have no idea what the asking price for these players is.

Outstanding point.

Dear God, not another Kaberle thread

Dear God, not another Kaberle thread

I just don't get these types of posts. If you don't like the topic don't post.

Seabrook.

we have our answer in lowell


salmela

we have our answer in lowell


salmela

His 3 points in 15 games and below average defensive play was certainly a tremendous boon to the team.

we have our answer in lowell


salmela

Stop trying to get called up

I'd give up 1st rounder for a good Dman easily, I just don't know if we're offering enough(Burke).

Seabrook.

Now thats a defenseman i would give up the first pick for.