 | Leafs add Lebda to blue-line |
 LeosLeafs writes "The Maple Leafs have picked up Red Wings’ free agent depth defenceman Brett Lebda, further evidence that a Tomas Kaberle deal is around the corner.The 28-year-old Lebda signed for two years, at a reported $1.45 million US a season. General manager Brian Burke told the Toronto Sun a few days ago he was pursuing one more veteran defenceman that would allow him to concentrate on getting a quality forward for Kaberle during the latter’s trade window, which closes Aug. 15.
The Leafs, who traded for Chicago Blackhawks' Cup champion forward Kris Versteeg a week ago, highlighted Lebda’s playoff record in their release, 62 games during the past five years, including 42 in the two most recent years that Detroit was in the Stanley Cup final. In 2008 when Detroit won it, Lebda played in 19 playoff games and averaged 12:33 of ice time.The 5-foot-9 Lebda, from Buffalo Grove, Ill., was a CCHA all-star with Notre Dame, achieving 85 points in 152 games. He signed with Detroit as a free agent six years ago this month and has 68 points in 326 regular-season games, many of them paired with Chicago-area pal Chris Chelios.His arrival and Kaberle’s departure would give the Leafs a starting six blueline of Dion Phaneuf, Francois Beauchemin, Mike Komisarek, Luke Schenn, Carl Gunnarsson and himself The seventh job would likely be between Keith Aulie, Simon Gysbers, Juraj Mikus and Jesse Blacker, though Blacker has a year of junior eligibility remaining.
http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2010/07/07/14639491.html"
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| "Leafs add Lebda to blue-line" | Login/Create an Account | 153 comments |
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by LeafsneedSteen on Wednesday, July 07
(User Info | Send a Message) | Have to think Burke has a deal in waiting for Kaberle if he's already adding depth blueliners.
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by dumbassdoorman (hahahaha@habssuck.ca) on Wednesday, July 07
(User Info | Send a Message) | | Been reading a lot instead of posting lately, and some really good ideas and some bad....lol. I just want the kaberle saga over. Either trade him for what you will or resign him. I do like the Lebda and Armstrong signings, plus ther Versteeg trade was great. |
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by Kramer on Wednesday, July 07
(User Info | Send a Message) | Finally the big move that puts the Leafs over the top. The final piece to the puzzle.
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by TheLeafNation91 on Wednesday, July 07
(User Info | Send a Message) | I love this signing believe it or not.
Lebda is very underrated and was a huge piece of the Detroit backend in the last few seasons. He's a great 5-6 option, who has winning mentality after spending all those seasons in Detroit, so I guess everyone can see Burkes train of thought= PICK UP PLAYERS THAT KNOW HOW TO WIN!
I feel this as a precursor to a Leafs trade of Kaberle as it really solidifies the defence.
He was signed to a very cheap contract, which might annoy the Red Wings. |
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by frankinboltonleafs on Wednesday, July 07
(User Info | Send a Message) | | This is a weird move for me. He's Ian White's size kinda and I'd take Ian first even if he costs a bit more. Stralman is on the arbitration list and he was supposed to be, (and played like), a future Kaberle when we had him. I don't get how you trade Kaberle with this guy, (Ledba), being added on. Funny how you underrate a guy playing on a winning team and overrate guys that play on a losing team. That's how we got Beauchemin and Finger. I'm dumping them before I dump Kaberle. |
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by zackman13 on Wednesday, July 07
(User Info | Send a Message) | | virtual hi-5 to the guy that called this in an earlier article |
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by leafy on Wednesday, July 07
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Probably a good signing. Certainly a good price. Lebda is said to be a good skating defenceman. Hopefully he can handle the puck well too.
One concern is his size at 5'9". But then again, Brian Rafalski has done alright with his small size.
He doesn't have to dominate physically as the no. 5 or 6 guy, as long he plays good efficient hockey with few mistakes.
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by TmLeafan on Thursday, July 08
(User Info | Send a Message) | | Like the signing and the price. If Burke can knock the Kaberle deal out of the park what a great summer this would be for us. |
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by leafy on Thursday, July 08
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I'll bet Kaberle will get traded to Dallas for Neal. That's my prediction.
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by nordiques100 on Thursday, July 08
(User Info | Send a Message) | Its a solid move.
He comes cheaper than Andrew Ference, Carlo Colaiacovo and Joe Corvo.
He is an excellent skater. Is he small? yes. But Campbell, Keith and Hjalmarsson were not giants either and they just won the cup.
Lebda in fact has a cup. good experience to pass on to the younger players.
The Leafs anyways have tree trunks like Komisarek, Schenn and Phaneuf so size and physicality is something the team isnt that desolate in.
If Wilson uses him properly, he should be very good for Toronto. I stress this because if we see Lebda playing 25 minutes a game and Gunnarsson and Schenn sitting, then this means the Leafs are ready to give Boston another top 5 pick. Lebda is a 15 minute max blueliner.
Then again maybe this is a good thing cause that would mean Wilson getting canned.
I have to say that since only Kulemin and Kaberle (who is expected to be gone) are the ONLY survivors from the Paul Maurice era, there just becomes a point where it isnt the players fault. its year 3 for Wilson. we'll see if he can actually accomplish something.
but if big minutes are going to John Mitchell, Lebda and Finger is actually on the roster and in the top 4 and its not due to injuries, say so long to Mr Wilson.
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by Leaf_Taz on Thursday, July 08
(User Info | Send a Message) | Now the Leafs can trade Kaberle (4.25 Million) for picks and prospects and put Finger (3.5 Million) in the minors and use the 7.75 Million to sign Kovalchuck. You heard it here first.
Good lord I hope not! |
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by nordiques100 on Thursday, July 08
(User Info | Send a Message) | I know the hot name is Kaberle, but does anyone think Schenn is in play?
I really hope not, but, its clear, the Leafs want to win now and if they see a 23-28 year old forward in their sights and Schenn is asked for, i think the Leafs will bite.
i dont really think anyone is safe on the roster other than perhaps the big two of Phaneuf and Kessel plus whom they just added.
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by LeafsneedSteen on Thursday, July 08
(User Info | Send a Message) | Kaberle may actually be safe (though it's a long shot) if as Nords mentioned Schenn is in play. The nice thing about having Kaberle on the block so long is that Burke must have a better idea of who is available from other clubs. Teams do this all the time, for instance the talk of Perry coming to Toronto was more likely Anaheim fishing to see if someone like Schenn could be had. Classic bait and switch. Could Burke be doing the same? Well he does have a habit of making surprising deals. Did anyone see the Phaneuf deal coming? Or Versteeg coming to the Leafs? Perhaps Burke has an ace up his sleeve.
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by Redwings3019 on Thursday, July 08
(User Info | Send a Message) | Its a good signing for the Leafs.
Its true that the Wings had to let Lebda go because of cap issues and thats the only reason. With Hudler coming back this season and taking around 2.8 it knocked Lebda out unfortunately...Detroit as a result of this I think took a similar player in the draft (Benjamin Marshall) although he isnt (currently) as capable on defense as Lebda is,but is a quick smaller defenseman.
He was probably one of the fastest skaters Detroit had and although he was 5'9 he wasnt a push over. He is able to play the body and get into corners. I wouldnt be suprised to see a pairing of Phaneuf and Lebda at some point in the season because with Lebda, Phaneuf is allowed to play real physical (a big part of his game) Lebda is capable of stepping up and covering for Phaneuf if he goes for that big hit, if Phaneuf lands the big hit in Toronto's zone Lebda is quick enough to get the puck and move it. Also if Lebda/Phaneuf in the attacking zone it could generate more space/time for Phaneuf to take hard shots from the blue line. I wouldnt be surpised to see this but I dont think its going to happen.
As for Kaberle I dont see St. Louis pushing all that hard for him. They are pretty solid on the back end and with Pietrangelo probably being brought up for more games the need for a puck moving defenceman isnt that high for them. They need to replace Eller, Kariya, and Tkachuk more. Perron, Berglund and Oshie are going to play bigger roles (and perhaps D'Agostini)
but I still think they need to get another forward before another D.
Dallas I think is at the top of the list, Im not sure what they could offer Toronto currently (Neal is still an RFA as far as I know) I doubt the Kings will do anything because they are trying to land a key forward. They missed on Kovy and according to rumors are currently looking towards Edmonton (Smyth/Souray rumors...) which would land them a defenceman and free up some space for that forward...
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by b_devils (jerk_off@gmail.com) on Thursday, July 08
(User Info | Send a Message) | | A trade based around Luke Schenn for Bobby Ryan.... would you do it? |
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by leafy on Thursday, July 08
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So after Kaberle is traded, Schenn will be the longest serving Leaf, along with Kulemin and Mitchell.
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by leafy on Thursday, July 08
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Eklund says Gagne for Kaberle a possibility.
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by leafy on Thursday, July 08
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Eklund says Gagne for Kaberle a possibility.
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by JustYouW8 on Thursday, July 08
(User Info | Send a Message) | I'm a big fan of Schenn and would not like to see him traded, as like an earlier post said, he is the first stud the Leafs have drafted in a long time. But with that being said, if you get a really good deal like Bobby Ryan, you gotta pull the trigger, as much as I hate to say it.. Hopefully Aulie can step up and fill the void, a big stay at home defenceman who can skate well.. I would just hope Grabovski would be thrown into the deal as well.
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by Boston_Bruins (sdhfsbhf@hotmail.com) on Thursday, July 08
(User Info | Send a Message) | | Anyone else shocked that the Canucks are retiring Naslund's number? What was he good for 3 or 4 seasons? |
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by leafit2me on Friday, July 09
(User Info | Send a Message) | | On July 3rd/4th the Sun reported that the Leafs were looking to sign a depth defensemen, an #1 center, and 1-2 top 6 forwards to complete their roster. It also mentioned that a Kaberle trade would not occur until a depth defenseman was signed.
3 days later the Leafs sign Lebda as their depth defenseman, OK so the Sun got that one right. Lets hope that this bring a quick end to the debate that started more than 2 years ago.
I hope BB can get a J.Neal type winger for Kaberle. 6'2", 208lbs and only 22 y/o with a record that is 51-41-92 in 2 seasons. Not to mention he's an Oshawa boy. |
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by broc on Friday, July 09
(User Info | Send a Message) | All you guys expecting to get James Neal for Tomas Kaberle are going to be really disappointed.
Nieuwendyk isn't an idiot to give a budding, young breakout power-forward for 1 year of Kaberle. Kab already said he wants to stay close to the east.
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by I-BE-LEAF on Friday, July 09
(User Info | Send a Message) | | BREAKING NEWS: Jim Kelly of Sportsnet/Fan590 is a douche. |
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by leafmeister (ottawasenators@willneverwinthecup.com) on Friday, July 09
(User Info | Send a Message) | Dreger is reporting that if the Flyers cant get a deal done with Gagne, they are gonna put him on waivers. I think Burke should jump on that. Adding one year of Gagne for nothing other than cap space would be an excellent move. If he works out, then they can extend him, and perhaps get a better price.
Then they trade Kaberle to LA for Simmonds and a prospect, I dont think Brayden Schenn, but perhaps Oscar Moller, a good Swedish prospect.
Then trade Grabovski for a pick and bury Finger
Next year the lines could look like this:
Kulemin-Bozak-Kessel
Gagne-Kadri-Versteeg
Simmonds-Moller-Armstrong
Sjostrom-Mitchell-Orr
Phaneuf-Schenn
Komisarek-Gunnarrson
Beauchemin-Lebda
Giguere
Gustovsson
Two decent scoring lines, and true to Burkian form, ample grit in the bottom 6. I think that roster would make the playoffs.
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by Kramer on Friday, July 09
(User Info | Send a Message) | | The Leafs need to make a panic trade. |
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by leafy on Friday, July 09
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If the Leafs get Gagne without giving up a roster player, and if the Leafs get Simmons and a first pick for Kaberle, the Leaf forwards could look like this:
Gagne - Bozak - KesselVersteeg - Kadri - SimmondsKulemin - Hanson - ArmstrongOrr - Mitchell - Brown/Sjostrom
Not exactly the '85 Oilers, but might be good enough for a playoff spot if key players stay healthy. |
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Re: Leafs add Lebda to blue-line (Score: 1)
by leafit2me on Saturday, July 10
(User Info | Send a Message) | | Well Zherdev has been signed to a pretty decent deal.
Interesting situation with SJ signing Hjalmersson to an offer sheet of $13M over 4 yrs. CHI has till 07/16 to match or they lose him. Niemi goes to arbitration on 07/20. Could a Kaberle trade with SJ or CHI be in the making? I guess we'll find out in the next 10 days. |
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