Playing GM: Tomas Kaberle on Waivers

We don't often do this here at Hockey Wilderness, because most players placed on waivers have little to no value and the rubes are asking if the Wild will claim them simply because of some silly tie back to Minnesota. The answer, 99.9% of the time, is "Hell no. You're an idiot for even asking." This time around, it warrants a bit of a look.

The Numbers

Three points in 10 games played this season

+4 on the year

11 SOG

11 Blocked shots

Notes to Consider

He has always been considered a power play specialist, but absolutely not an elite type.

He can play solid defense, but as an offensive minded guy, he is prone to gaffes, so would need a steady defensive partner for regular shifts.

He is a left handed shot, and a second pairing type player. This is something the Wild desperately need right now.

The Reality

The safe bet is that Kaberle clears waivers. His $4.25 million / year deal still has next season tacked on to it, which for 31 points might be acceptable this year, with the steep drop, it is going to be inflated next year. The Wild, at the moment, have the cap space to claim him, but that would push them over the cap when factoring out the bonus cushion. That is an option, but not one you want to take unless you know for certain it is worth it.

It is all highly unlikely, as Kaberle does have some warts to his game.

What Do You Do?

It would be nice to see a higher level pick, like a second rounder, come back with Kaberle, but that may be stretching a bit. To be fair, Bouchard is producing and Kaberle really isn't a high value pickup right now, but we all know the downside to Butch, and that could make it a wash.

It's all a pipe dream, but it gives you a chance to play GM. What do you do? Claim Kaberle? Wait to see if he clears and make a trade offer? Ignore the fact that he exists and move on?

Make the call.