Kaberle, We (Will) Hardly Knew Ye

The FAN 590's afternoon show, The Game Plan, offers an opportunity for listeners to submit a question to co-hosts Jack Armstrong and Eric Smith via Twitter for the "tweet of the day". As a frequent tweeter and follower of the show, I'll often oblige with a quick inquiry.

Jack took a shot at my question the other day:

"Let's say Kaberle gets moved. What will his legacy as a Leaf be, or will he have a 'legacy' at all?"

His response wasn't what I would call surprising, but it was... concerning.

He echoed a sentiment that I think many Toronto sports fans would agree with. Kaberle will likely not have much of a legacy as a Leaf. He'll be seen as a player that played well for the team, but not spectacular. A player that helped the team, but never brought them to a higher level. A player that mattered while he was here, but will be easily forgotten once he's left.

Despite this, the statistics tell a much different story about Tomas Kaberle. When Kabs does end his tenure in Toronto, he will leave with the 2nd highest point total by a Toronto defenseman. Only Salming will have him beat in points, and only Salming and Horton will have worn the blue and white on the blueline for more games than Kaberle. Even Wendel trails behind Kaberle in games played.

Some players will go down as legends in Leafs history - players so well-known that their first name alone tells the story. Wendel. Dougie. Mats. And while it is undeniable that they poured their heart and soul into the team and were terrific producers on the ice, they never brought home the cup. Neither did Kaberle. But when history looks back at the Leafs of the 90s and 00s, Kaberle will be far and away the most productive defenseman the Leafs put on the ice.

The great Leafs of the modern era will be remembered despite their inability to bring this town a championship. Kaberle will not be so lucky. 482 points from the blue line in 820 games? Who cares?

1967. That's the number that really matters.