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# Reading the Tea Leafs: Pavel Kubina
- URL: https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/reading-the-tea-leafs-pave/
- Published: 2008-10-02T16:38:15.000Z
- Updated: 2008-10-02T16:38:15.000Z
- Author: Julian Sanchez
- Tags: #chorus, #Import 2023-04-05 11:15

*Following on the success of two other dormant series Chemmy and I have decided that in order to fill the gap in NHL news that we'll take a look at each of the current Leafs, possible Leafs on the Marlies, janitors, marketing interns and prospects. We'll recap their performance last year, what we can expect from them, and how they can win our hearts (hint: signing the contract was a good first step...unless your name is Bryan McCabe Ian White). We have no idea how long of a series this will end up being or how consistent it will be but with two of us expect it to only be half as half-assed and twice as timely.* 

  
Pavel Kubina, seen here via this Zapruder-like film, gave Leaf fans one of the highlights of the season.

**Contract Status (according to** [**NHL Numbers**](http://www.nhlnumbers.com/overview.php?team=TOR&season=0809&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)**)** 
$5M salary, $5M cap hit, UFA July 1, 2010

**Age (as of October 1, 2008)**  
31 - April 15, 1977

**NHL Seasons**  
Nine

[](http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8465210&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)[Run of the mill stats](http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/team/app?page=PlayerDetail&playerId=8465200&service=page&tab=crs&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)[](http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/team/app?page=PlayerDetail&playerId=8465200&service=page&tab=crs&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)

__**2007-2008 Stats and Team Ranking** **(Scoring rates via** [**Behind The Net**](http://www.behindthenet.ca/?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)**)**__
| **Counting Stats** | **Total/Rank** | **Category** | **5-on-5** | **5-on-4** | **4-on-5** |
| ------------------ | -------------- | ------------ | ---------- | ---------- | ---------- |
| **Games Played**   | 72 - 8         | **TOI/60**   | 16.15 - 3  | 3.36 - 5   | 3.33 - 2   |
| **Goals**          | 11 - 8         | **Pts/60**   | 1.03 - 15  | 3.97 - 7   | 0.25 - 6   |
| **Assists**        | 29 - 5         | **GFON/60**  | 2.99 - 5   | 7.69 - 2   | 0.75 - 3   |
| **Points**         | 40 - 6         | **GAON/60**  | 2.68 - 15  | 0.99 - 13  | 7.00 - 10  |

**Former Leaf he'd have to play like in order to be christened a deity**  
One part Kaberle, one part Danny Markov, and one part vengeful Russian beast.

**Biggest Question Marks**  
Wil this be the year that Pavel Kubina is finally accepted by Leafs fans?

**2007-2008 Summary**  
Pavel Kubina played awesome, drove offensive results on the powerplay, blocks shots, and was basically all-around awesome for less money than comparable players. He declined to move to San Jose at the deadline in a move that likely would have had a huge impact on the Sharks' playoff results. The Leafs would have also picked up some great assets. \*sigh\*

**Projected 2008-2009 role/team**  
First pairing defender. Kubina's going to need to lead the way this year if the Leafs have any shot at a successful season. Yeah, ok, they won't have a successful season even if Kaberle plays out of his mind. Basically, he's Kaberle but with a mean streak. In the run up to the trade deadline he'll obviously be a much sought after asset and he'll be asked every day about waiving his NTC. It'll seem like deja vu all over again.

### Why haven't Leaf fans embraced Kubina yet?

| Changes numbers (73-31-77) too often | 11 |
| ------------------------------------ | -- |
| $5Million!                           | 8  |
| Rough first season                   | 15 |
| Scruffy face                         | 5  |
| Bad penalties                        | 3  |