It’s “err on the side of caution”, and erring is something I think you’d like to see him do less of, if I understand you correctly.

I worried about that too. Kaberle is a peerless passer, but his defensive coverage has frequently been Stinkfest 5000. I hope BB can convince other GM’s that Kaberle lost his mojo from trade rumours.

For being funny and true…but sad.

Well, maybe, but he’s always been pillow-soft in his own end and terrible at covering forwards in front of the net. Back then he was playing on an offensively gifted team with outstanding goaltenders.

Now he’s being asked to grind it out with the rest of the group, who is allergic to scoring goals, and needs to be physical and hard working defensively, and he’s never been that kind of a d-man. Perhaps its the Burke-stamped style of team that he’s having a hard time adjusting to?

I’ve seen many games this season where he’s worked hard, and had some good defensive play.
It’s just not as consistently as he used to do it, nor as much as we’d like to see it.

Not quite the norm now though is it?

PPP, I think he’s just feeling his oats because he’s the Leaf of the Day.

And yes, it’s hard to show any empathy for millionaires.

Though I won’t disagree per se, that’s hard to fully justify when we’re arguing on a site solely devoted to the love of said millionaires.

How bad does he have to get indeed. I mean, it’s been a long time since Tomas showed signs of being a true elite defencmen. Why, he hasn’t led the league in D scoring in almost 2 or 3 months! And he hasn’t been our leading scorer for almost a week now! I think we should all really be applauded for putting up with his miserable play for as long as we have.

It might be hard to empathize, but it’s not impossible. Here’s a simple mental exercise: you get a raise and are now making $500K a year (Congratulations!) Do you think that this new found money would mean that you no longer have the right to make career decisions based on what’s good for you and your family?

You can point out shortcomings and potential trade benefits without resorting to name-calling and character assassination, as general pointed out below. What’s going on here is sad and embarrassing. We’re no better than Habs fans.

he’s playing like he needs more practice than anyone else on the team

In my defense… mine was just a joke and I said it before everyone got super negative on him. Looking at it now, ya it does make me look like an asshole, but it was meant as a fun-poking comment, not a literal diss to Kabs.

I would say when Schenn was underperforming (to put it lightly) yes there were a few who felt criticism was in order, but most of us (though worried) did not revert to the ’ trade him, he’s washed up, his career is over wahhh’

I think the biggest problem people have with Kaberle is in the past month or so his play looks uninspired. I don’t know if that is the perception because now most of the rest of the team has tried to amp up their energy level and Kaberle’s has petered out or if it is because we are seeing the whole ‘Best possible asset not wanting to be traded’ thing that happened with Sundin.

I was never angry at Sundin for not waiving his NTC as he did earn it…. The only time I got upset at him was when he said he didn’t want to start with a team half way through a season (the supposed reason he gave not to waive his NTC) and then goes and does that exact thing with Vancouver the following year.

Kaberle is getting some backlash from a frustrated fan base who has seen season after season going to shit. Is it his fault? Only very marginally – a small percentage – but he is also a lightning rod for such things as he is the longest serving Leaf on the team.

Basically, he should not be immune to criticism on his play, his apparent lack of effort or his mental mistakes. We shouldn’t, however, blame him for the team’s problems. Pointing out his mistakes is not being disloyal – no more than his poor play of late is showing a disloyalty to his team.

I like the guy and I think he has had a great career here, but where do you stop cutting off your nose to spite your face? Perhaps our problem is we have been too loyal and kept players past their useful shelf life with the organization (or even worse, acquired players already on their downward spiral into hockey oblivion.)

Don’t rag on Kaberle because he refused to waive his no trade clause, and don’t rag on him for his many years of service in the blue and white…but pointing out his deficiencies is not being disloyal.

big rant, oh well.

If the Leafs were having a winning season, I would say that this argument wouldn’t have come up at all.

But since they blow and as a result are being blown up, and he’s their best moveable asset, then yes, obviously he’s going to come under greater scrutiny.

Look General, since you quoted me (twice) I might as well respond. I stand by my quotes. He’s been underperforming lately which spawned this discussion, which in turn led to comments about his lack of defensive responsibility.
I still claim that he’s soft and lazy in his own end, and has been his whole career. He doesn’t cover bodies in front of the net and is not physically imposing. He’s now on a team that’s built with a bruising defense corps and is likely going to look out of place as a result.
I have no issue with Tomas’ offensive play, he’s an outstanding skater and passer, and of course should shoot more. I didn’t once suggest that he waive his NTC. I have no personal issue towards Tomas and happen to admire his dedication to the team, while others are befuddled about why he would stay.

Personally, I gravitate towards more bruising defensemen, maybe because I had to play like once since I’ve never possessed an ounce of the skill Tomas has. I prefer our defensemen to scare forwards away from the corners and the front of the net, to label a guy coming down the wing and to dive in front of shots. Tomas isn’t that guy and will never be, which is why to me, he’s a defensive liability.

ditto.