Defenceman Tomas Kaberle is the current longest-serving Maple Leaf.

BY WEB STAFF
sportsnet.ca

If the old adage that father knows best is true then defenceman Tomas Kaberle will not re-sign in Toronto while Ron Wilson remains coach.

According to the Toronto Sun, Frantisek Kaberle, Tomas' father, told Czech hockey magazine Hokej that he does not anticipate his son remaining a Maple Leaf for the entire season.

"I think that during the course of the year he will be traded to another club," Karberle said. "There is only one chance for Toronto to get something back in return for Tomas now. In my opinion, I can't see Tomas entering a new contract with Toronto. Not if Ron Wilson continues to be employed there."

The window to trade Kaberle to any of the 29 other NHL teams closed on August 15 when the defenceman's no-trade clause kicked in. It was widely reported that GM Brian Burke had up to 12 teams interested in acquiring the services of the 32-year-old, but a deal could not be reached. Any trade out of the city will now require approval from Kaberle.

The elder Kaberle added that his son is unlikely to address any kind of move in the lead up to the new season.

"I think that Tomas won't even comment on (trade possibilities) anymore," he said. "He is content in Toronto with both the club and the city."

Kaberle and coach Wilson made headline in April when it was reported that the two did not get along after the coach pointed out defensive miscues on several occasions. At the time, Wilson downplayed the dispute:

"I think our relationship is fine," Wilson said Thursday. "And if I'm not mistaken, I think Tomas addressed that, too. I've never had any issues with Tomas."

Toronto made several summer moves in order to end the club's six-year playoff drought, but according to Kaberle's father, selling the city to players is no longer an easy task.

"I have been following Toronto for a long time," Kaberle Sr. added. "I didn't believe it much in the beginning, but it seems that the best players don't want to go to this club."