Tomas Kaberle finds himself in an unfamiliar position for a professional athlete who has spent his entire 12-year professional career with one team: his strengths as a person and as a player go unrecognized.
Unappreciated by fans, the puck-moving defenseman has become somewhat of a whipping boy for GM Brian Burke, who routinely throws his name out in public to generate fan interest in the hockey club.
Let’s take a look at recent history. Last summer, Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke took to the talk radio circuit with Kaberle’s trade window approaching.
Brusque and sounding confident, Burke stated he was open for offers on the puck-moving defenseman, fueling endless trade speculation which was vociferously discussed on the airwaves and made headlines in print.
Rick Curran, the player’s agent, blasted Burke for his public posturing.
“What [Kaberle] does not appreciate, what he does not enjoy, is being front-page topic of conversation every time Brian decides that he’s got to churn the waters a little bit in order to create a little interest.
“That’s fine. Pick up the phone and ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Christian Butzek
Tomas Kaberle Gets the Shaft from Brian Burke, Toronto Maple Leafs
January 8th, 2011 by Christian Butzek Leave a reply »
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