Top Priority: Mike Komisarek
In the midst of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, perhaps it’s a little early to discuss the possibility of the Toronto Maple Leafs splurging in this year’s Unrestricted Free Agent crop by acquiring Mike Komisarek. But hey, four consecutive years of missing the post-season will do that, and speculation is always fun, so let’s discuss!
Komisarek has been a serviceable defensive defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens, no doubt about it. Ever since he completed his first full season with the Canadiens back in the 2005-06 campaign, Habs fans have been privy to the defensive abilities #8 brings to the ice. While he lacks offensive skills, and his potential in the department is limited, he made it to the NHL because of his defensive play. Komisarek excels specifically in hits and defensive zone coverage. In fact, at the end of the 2007-08 campaign, he led all defensemen with 227 blocked shots, and finished second in hits with 266.
This season, however, many Canadiens fans have criticized the 27 year-old of poor play in his own end, and have questioned whether or not it is worth offering him a contract extension. Living in a household of Canadiens fans, I can say I’ve seen my fair share of Habs hockey. I’ve always been a fan of Komisarek’s game, and have regarded him as a top defensive defenseman in the NHL during the past few years. Like all defensive defensemen, Komisarek is underappreciated and gets little notice around the league (besides Pierre Maguire, that is). However, Komisarek did have a disappointing season, no question. He still led the Canadiens in hits with 191, (ranked 25th overall) but it’s a serious downgrade from his 266 last season. In the blocked shots category, he finished with 207 (ranked 4th overall). He was also ranked 7th overall in giveaways with 89, which is obviously considering for a player of his type. That is 29 more giveaways than he had in the 2007-08 season. It’s also worth mentioning that the Canadiens struggled this season, and few players (even Carey Price) struggled to find success, so this could easily be a bump in the road.
All that said, it must be mentioned that he is still young, and defensemen generally take more time to develop. Komisarek’s upcoming seasons will be huge in terms of his development as a defensive defenseman in the NHL. He has the potential to be one of the meanest and toughest defensemen, (as mentioned, see stats of 07-08 season) but some hard work is definitely in order. If you ask me, patience would go a long way for Komisarek. He often finds himself in trouble by making rash decisions when under pressure from the opposition. If he could attain a little more poise, it would propel his defensive game to new levels.
Pertaining to the Leafs’ off-season plan, I think it would benefit them immensely to sign a player like Komisarek. He’s young, and he’s got potential; should fit right into Brian Burke’s regime. His price tag may be a little high, but considering he struggled this season, it shouldn’t be anything near baffling. If he does work out, he’d be a serviceable defenseman once the rebuilding phase is complete. That, and I’m giddy like a school girl thinking about a Luke Schenn – Komisarek pairing on the PK unit.
What do you think?
You stay classy, MLHS.
ronguillet@mapleleafshotstove.com
May 24th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Would love to add Komisarek to the defense core. Unfortunately, he’d command at least the $4.5 million (I believe) that Orpik received, so that’d be a lot of money invested on the back end.
It would definitely be something to look at if the Leafs are able to ship out one of Kaberle/Kubina/Finger.
May 24th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
I’d much rather have Komisarek over Finger. The rumour mill has Komisarek going to NYI though.
May 24th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Ron, I would love to see Komisarek in the Blue and White, he would definitely help our defensive game and he’s a Burke type guy. What about adding a guy like Moen as well ? Your thoughts on adding a legitimate heavyweight like Orr, McGrattan or Peters (all ufas) ? Keep up the great posts.
May 24th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
I’d also love to see Komisarek in Toronto but as Alex said, the price will be steep. And i would hate to see us bring in any defenseman that may take ice time away from Schenn right now. But he would be a better UFA option than the Sedins or Camalleri to me.
May 24th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
heads up…theres 2 ‘Joes’ posting!
May 24th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Good kid with a winning attitude..what’s not to like.
May 24th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
I think the Leafs will be able to rid themselves of one of Kaberle or Kubina and get a good return. As for Komisarek, I think he’d be a solid addition, however my offer would be 3.5 mill. At 4.5, I’d think you’re overpaying.
May 24th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
I would love this signing. I first took notice of him 2 years ago when I saw him easily dump Mats on his ass behind the net. Up to that point I had never seen anyone able to manhandle Mats like that. He is a beast. 4 mil should do the trick, no?
May 24th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
It would be great to have Komisarek signed to a Jeff Finger contract, but considering he’s more likely to make Brooks Orpik money I would say pass. Plus, it’s pretty much a given that he’s going to the Island this summer.
The guy would be a great partner to pair Luke with though, just imagine the carnage after a shift with those two.
May 24th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
Of all the free agents, I like Komisarek and Beauchemin. Komisarek more so because he is younger. He is tough out there. One or both of Kaberle and Kubina would have to go.
May 24th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
I would love to have him on the Leafs. I just hope the Lucic vs Komisarek rivalry wouldn’t spill over, because I think we all know who got the worst of that one.
May 24th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
I think Komisarek would be a huge addition to the Leafs D. He’s rock solid and would take some attention and burden off of Luke’s shoulders. At 27 he’s a valued commodity. I wouldn’t preclude the habs from the possibility of signing him, I’m sure they see the importance he has on their club. Gainey will have to decide which guys to keep and which to let go. Maybe he’s saving some cash to bring in the likes of Jay Bouwmeester and as a result is willing to part with Komisarek.
May 24th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Orpik money is the minimum he would command. That said, he would provide the Leafs with some nastiness that they need on the back end. The question becomes, who goes? Nobody on the regular blueline is a free agent, which means a trade would have to occur lest the team add to the logjam that is already there.
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The Leafs D currently is comprised of:
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Kaberle, Kubina, Finger, Frogren, White, Van Ryn, Schenn, Stralman, Oreskovic, Sifers. (Not to mention Harrison who is RFA).
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The first 7 on that list are considered NHL regulars, and of those 7 I think only Frogren can be transferred to/from the Marlies without going through the waivers. That and Brian Burke does not strike me as a GM who will place an NHL veteran in the minors just to free up cap space or a roster spot … he has a soft spot for veterans who have gone to battle for him and will go to great lengths to treat them with a certain measure of respect and dignity. Further, you have to factor in the need to get Stralman and Oreskovic some NHL ice also to aid their development. Factor all that together and all of a sudden simply adding a FA defender isn’t so simple.
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Bottom line, the question becomes: who goes to make room for Komisarek? Most would say Kaberle or Kubina … but Burke wants the moon for Kabs and Kubina’s salary will make him hard to move. Same goes for Finger, who is a nice player but is considered to be well overpriced.
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I would not be opposed, at all, to Komisarek joining the team at a price of 4.5m. He’d be a nice addition. But it will be interesting whether or not the team can free up a roster spot for him on a jam-packed blueline.
May 24th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
Komisarek would look great in Blue/White ? We had Bryan McCabe, every one booed him out of town, Now we have Finger, some are trying the same thing all over. My point is when are we going to look within? Jay Harrison deserves a chance, as did Kronwall, as did Ondrus, as did Jeremy Williams…But we rather sign, Finger, Holweg, Mayers, and Dom Moore and once again get within 10 pts of the last playoff position. If we are going to make a splash on July 1, then shoot for the moon, sign someone of pure potential like Jay Boumeester, or stand pat, and lets have a great draft, then realize the potential of some of our youngsters like Williams, Tlusty, Harrison, Ondrus, Bosak, Hanson, and hopefully another Schenn ala Chicago Black Hawks, (are they not fun to watch). And what is wrong with keeping Kaberle? Seems to me he is the best deal in the league on defence. Go ahead move Kubina, get another pick of some value, Find a responsible back-up to Vesa, there is only about 15 out there waiting, Does Craig Anderson ring a bell. This should be a three year program to rebuild, then sign that Komeserik, or Paulson on deadline day to get over the top. Just my thoughts…
May 25th, 2009 at 3:31 am
Don’t see this happening.
And that’s not a bad thing, because Komisarek is kind of a douchebag.
May 25th, 2009 at 6:57 am
Then again, for those of you guys who also follow baseball, you’d know about the surprisingly steep decline in free agent dollars thrown around this past offseason. There’s talk that it could translate in a similar fashion over to the NHL.
If that’s the case, and Toronto’s STILL willing to spend to the cap (since the Leafs seem impervious to financial woes), then we might be seeing them pick up some serious bargain basement contracts.
May 25th, 2009 at 6:59 am
I think evreyone who wants Komisarek is a loser. It tells you how much where his game is at, in his free agent year has a setback from the previous year. He is wearing down, and as I said in another post, i do not want to see Lucic hand him his ass 6 times a year.
May 25th, 2009 at 7:57 am
I want nothing to do with this dirty slew footing, hitting from behind, dirty douchebag of a hockey player
May 25th, 2009 at 8:13 am
This could be a good move, but I don’t see it happening. They already have Schenn and possibly Oreskovic that fit stay-at-home-defenseman mould. The only way this happens is if BB can flip the Finger to some other team, as he’s tying up $3.5M.
When the dust settles, Komisarek will pull in between $4-$5M simply because there will be a ton of interest. In other words, he’ll be overpaid. A contract that is too high is the last thing we need, as it’s haunted us in the past (ie. Bryan McCabe). Plus, if BB dishes out that dough to Komisarek, it sets a serious precedent for young Schenn. Komisarek would likely still be around when Schenn gets onto his next contract, which means you could have a defensive pairing that costs north of $8M. And when I say defensive, I mean defensive…as in 25-points-between-them-in-a- full-season kind of defensive.
Having said all that…the thought of these two boys lining up together would make most opposing players shit themselves…or at least “shart” a little bit. And, certainly, that would be BB’s motive if Komisarek is pursued.
Cheers,
James Westfall
May 25th, 2009 at 8:42 am
Although I do like Komisarek’s play, I say the Leafs should pass on him. Too much of a log-jam on defense already, and Komisarek will command too much money. We already have Schenn. And, in my oppinion, Oreskovic is going to develop into that type of reliable shut-down d-man in the next couple of years. Why not be patient, and it will pay off with our own drafted talent at a much lower cost.
May 25th, 2009 at 9:14 am
The leafs don’t need komisarik or the sedins next year. As many have said, it would make us mediocre and mean a return to fighting for a spot but not contending. Want a Komisarik? Trade Kab or Kubina for another 1st rounder and select Cowan and then we are really rebuilding with young studs with the hope of another forward like brayden schenn and a high 1st rounder next year. Let Blake’s and Finger’s contracts run their course or buy them out in a year or two and THEN sign what you’ll need what you need when the young players are ready to explode. You can still get the character guys like Moen or May to teach them how to be pros, but let’s stop this foolish talk of players like Komisark and Giggy as they will be on the down turn when we are ready to contend.
May 25th, 2009 at 9:26 am
@ carolina leaf
Thank you for makeing the best points…again…
Although, sining the sudins long term might actually be an ok move…..but komi and Giggy are rediculous.
May 25th, 2009 at 9:44 am
I’d pass. The guy will never go into the corners.
Most overrated player of the year.
May 25th, 2009 at 10:51 am
There’s a lot wrong with Komisarek starting with the money that he’ll command. While free agent dollars did dry up to an extent they didn’t completely and Komisarek is a guy that everyone slobbers over that will find a team to break the bank on him.
I hope it doesn’t happen because I hate Komisarek but if it does then you have to think that one of Kaberle or Kubina has to be traded first.
Let Blake’s and Finger’s contracts run their course or buy them out in a year or two
No buy-outs. They are a waste of cap space.
May 25th, 2009 at 10:51 am
I would rather Trade Kubina for the best pick I can get, then use that and expendable players like Mayers, Poni, Stajan or anyone not in our future to try my best to add a blue chip like Cowen, OEL, Kulikov, or even Ellis to a top 7 of:
Kaberle
Schenn
White
Finger
VanRyn
Frogren
Stralman
Getting UFAs is too conter productive. Give3 these guys more ice time and add in a guy like Cowen to that mix and thats a pretty solid lineup
May 25th, 2009 at 11:03 am
Orpik makes $3.75 M per, so a decent contract for Komisarek would be 3.5-3.75, no more.
Hopefully Burke has no intention of going after him.
May 25th, 2009 at 11:05 am
Ok, here are my issues with Komisarek as a signing.
1. He plays the same role we expect Schenn to fill down the line. If Schenn is your top shut down D man in a year or two, what happens to Komisarek’s ice time? Can you afford to pay both of them $4+ million a year if you want depth on the team?
2. If you’re paying Komisarek $4+ million and Schenn $4+ million in a few years when the team is competitive, how much does that leave for skill D men and other role players? How much money does it leave for your forward corps?
3. As much as I think he’s solid on the hit totals and the blocked shots, I don’t know that he excels all around in his own end. Montreal’s coaching staff didn’t think too highly of him this season, and his minutes were down around 20 per game. That makes him the #4 d man on Montreal. If he’s the #4 guy on a good team, and Schenn is the #2, (or vice versa) then he needs to do better than an even rating.
May 25th, 2009 at 11:15 am
[...] We’ve even got something on the rumour radar that makes sense; Mike fackin’ Komisarek! He hits with the weight of a metric shit-ton, he’s still relatively young (27), and it would fuel the Habs-Leafs rivalry much more furiously than a couple of Belarusian princes dancing around than ice. (bumps to Maple Leafs Hot Stove) [...]
May 25th, 2009 at 11:21 am
This is a mute point anyways as Komisarek will end up a NY Ranger next season.
May 25th, 2009 at 11:54 am
No way ANYONE gets signed with the Rangers next year. Your out of your mind lol. They are in deeppppppp shit with their cap number right now and adding Gilroy will just hurt more. They will be trying to dump Redden and other salary before anything
May 25th, 2009 at 11:58 am
Although it would be nice to have Komisarek with the Leafs next year, I don’t see it happening. I think he will end up in New York with either the Rangers or Isles or with New Jersey. We have a Komisarek in the making with Phil Oreskovic. He has worked on his skating and did not look out of place during his brief debut last year. Before you start sending me nasty replys take this into consideration. Chances are good Burke will trade some prime talent on the Leafs such as Kaberle, Poni, Stajan and Mayers. The odds are against the Leafs to make the playoffs again next year. So why don’t they let their young players like Oreskovic develop in the NHL and go after Taylor Hall in 2010. The Leafs would be following the development plan used by the Pens and Hawks. If we get Hall, he would be the best of a good group of youngsters such as Mitchell, Stefanovich, Dido, Hanson, Bozak, Tlusty and Pogge/Gustavsson. This is assuming we don’t get JT or MD this year.
May 25th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
i would rather spend the money on a forward or a backup goalie
May 25th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
I would love this move if it were to happen. I loved the Sundin and Komisarek feud, great shut down guy.
May 25th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Someone will overpay and I HOPE it is not us….
He sucked in the playoffs
May 25th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
I, like most of you would love to add Mike K. to the defensive corps.
The problem is that he will be looking to get paid; and unfortunately, what his value is going to be on the open market is higher than the value that the current maple leafs roster can handle.
We have an overpaid Jeff Finger; who plays a lot like Mike K. accept without the ‘sizzle’. Unless there is a trade for Finger to be made (and there likely is not) then we have to live with that decision. There is no sense in throwing 7-8 Mil to 2 players who play basically the same game. Mike K, who I’d love to see in the blue and white – is not the right move at this point for the leafs, unfortunately.
GM’s have to be cap smart! The good thing about our Maple Leafs is that we have a lot of flexibility with the cap which needs to be managed properly moving forward. More importantly here, is that previous GM’s did not have the foresight to manage player types vs cap hit in as it compares to upcoming free agents and thier potential cap hits. Short-sighted management has revealed its ugly head once again and its going to take a few more years to breakthrough the handcuffs placed on B.B.
May 25th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Too redundant of a signing, considering the players we have on the team, and in the system. Schenn is likely to be our top shut down D man this year. Finger plays a similar role, and we’re already paying him 3.5 million a year. And Phil Oreskovich, who showed well in an injury call up, looks to be ready to take a regular shift.
We’re likely going to be losing Kaberle. So I think it’s in Burkes agenda to replace his minutes, either in the system, which White, and Stralman are the only two capable atm. Or via free agency, which the only player worth his time persuing would be Bouwmeester.
May 25th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Many interesting points. I think it’s a given that Kabs or kubina will be moved in the off-season. I think Komisarek would complement Schenn moving forward, however the price needs to be right. I’d offer him 3-3.5 and see if that’s enough to get it done. By the same token, do the Leafs really need another defensive dman? I’m not so sure. I’d like to see the Leafs trade Kaberle for a 1st round pick and try to get Cowen and Ekman-Larsson in the fold. That would put all doubts about the Leafs D to rest for good. Schenn and Cowen are your big shutdown guys and Ekman-Larsson runs the pp.
May 25th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
“Chances are good Burke will trade some prime talent on the Leafs such as Kaberle, Poni, Stajan and Mayers.”
Which word doesn’t belong in this quote? You got it! “PRIME”! (With the exception of Kaberle, of course).
Here’s how it should go:
Kaberle: PRIME
Poni: Lots of Potential
Stajan: Serviceable\Replaceable
Mayers: A Fletcher Brain Fart
May 25th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
I like Beauchemin over Komisarek. I think Komisarek toiled a bit in the spotlight of Montreal, and coming into Toronto as the big free agent pick up would add undue pressure to a guy who is coming off a lack lustre season. Komisarek is better suited to play for the islander in relative anonimity….and like the other comments, I dont want to see Lucic speedbag him six times a year.
May 25th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Komi is good but will command too much at 5M. I’d rather have JayBo at 7M. All the D plus elite level offensive potential. 2 years younger and getting better every year.
We have seen the best Komi has to offer, and I think the repeated beatings administered on him by Lucic will have a lasting effect on his confidence. He used to have a certain air of indestructibility on the ice, but by the end of the Boston series he looked small, mistake-prone and very unsure of himself.
May 25th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
I think the most interesting point in all of this is that if the Leafs stay at the 7th pick they will be taking Cowen, who is another young shut down D who would have a solid chance of cracking the team at some point next year. Even if the Leafs don’t load up on another defensive defenseman, they need to lose at least one of Kaberle/Kubina/Finger in order to justify signing Komisarek, who at best will be signed for $3.5 million, but more likely a million more than that unless he was humbled by last season. Komi is an upgrade on Finger, so to reduce redundancy Finger is the best to try and move. The bottom line is this team needs to get better defense and while I think ridding ourselves of Kaberle and Kubina will go a long way in that respect, signing a Komisarek or the poor-man’s Komisarek, Beauchemin, is the way to address that need.
By the way, Oreskovic was solid in his call up but it’s a little premature to say he will develop in to a player as good as Komisarek.
May 25th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
off topic but what do you guys think of going after harding?
thefourthperiod (not sure how legit they are) is reporting the wild will look to move him. if gustavsson doesnt work out he could be a good plan B, and could end up being a better move in the long term. hes only 25 and has had very good GAA and SV% numbers at the NHL and AHL levels. he could push toskala for playing time this year and if it improves toskalas play we could potentially use vesa as trade bait at the deadline potentially bringing in a 1st from a team needing help or an injury replacement. harding seems to be ready to become a starter from what hes shown and he would make trading toskala before his contract expires a lot easier. having cliff as part of our management team could also help now that chuck fletcher is the wild GM.
what does anyone think? and what do you think it would take to pluck him out of minnesota? maybe a 2nd + a player like stajan?
May 25th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Jay Harrison blows.. i hope we never have to see him again!
May 26th, 2009 at 11:29 am
I go back and forth with Komisarek. Maybe it is his association with the Habs that ultimately drives up my hate for the guy.
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But it is comments like: “He has the potential to be one of the meanest and toughest defensemen” that I just don’t agree with.
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I’m sorry, the way he turtled like a little bitch all playoffs long when challenged by Lucic really doesn’t give him this mean tough image. In fact, all he did was give face-washes in after-ice scrums when Lucic was either not on the ice or not paying attention. From what I’ve seen from him lately, his cheap shots and a cowardly attitude make him a bitch of a player and a poor-excuse for a tough d-man.
May 26th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
I’m just leary this summer about signing large contracts when we are unsure what the cap will be next year (’10-’11). If we make trades I would like to see it dealt for youth and/or draft picks. It may be that come the trade deadline teams will be eager to trade for expiring contracts or will deal draft picks or youth to deal larger contracts to the Leafs if the Leafs are still sitting pretty with regards to cap level.
May 28th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
I like Milan Lucic too much to watch Komisarek get his @ss handed to him while wearing a Leafs jersey.
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