While the Devils’ search for their next coach continues with Chicago assistant and Jersey native Mike Haviland believed to be the latest candidate interviewing for the job, sources say general manager Lou Lamoriello may be among the strongest bidders for Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle.
Kaberle, whom general manager Lou Lamoriello could be targeting, has been a regular trade subject in Toronto at the usual deal junctures, but Leafs GM Brian Burke recently circulated an e-mail to other general managers outlining the upcoming window in Kaberle’s no-trade clause.
Kaberle, 32, is to make $4.25 million next season, the last on his deal before he becomes unrestricted in 2011. The Devils will be making a decision on Paul Martin, who becomes unrestricted July 1 after earning $4.5 million last year. One other possibility is Dan Hamhuis, who also becomes unrestricted on July 1.
Many believe the Leafs are willing to trade Kaberle during a window which begins at the draft, two weeks from tomorrow, through July. It’s believed Toronto wants a young regular and a draft pick.
The Devils do not have a first-round pick at this year’s draft, having dealt it to Atlanta in the Ilya Kovalchuk trade in February. Because of that deal’s swap of second-round picks, their first selection will be the 38th overall pick. The lack of a first-round selection could limit the chances of making such a deal.
On the coaching front, Haviland’s stock rose with the Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup triumph Wednesday. Haviland has served as a minor league head coach, and was a major figure in New Jersey amateur coaching ranks. He was a 1990 Devils draftee in the old supplemental draft, but an injury ended the right wing’s pro bid.
One darkhorse would be fellow Blackhawk assistant John Torchetti, though the former Kings and Panthers coach is believed to be coveted by Atlanta, where he would rejoin Rick Dudley.
John MacLean, who coached Lowell to a playoff berth last season, remains the leading candidate for the Devils’ job, along with former Canadiens and Penguins coachMichel Therrien.
The Devils yesterday made official the return of their top farm team to Albany, where it won the AHL Calder Cup in 1995, only to leave for four years in Lowell following a string of miserable seasons and complaints from team ownership.
The Devils first moved their AHL squad to Albany from Utica in 1993, and they spent 13 seasons in the state capital. The team will be the Albany Devils, with a horned A as its logo, rather than the River Rats with a stickwielding rodent.
The Lowell Devils were 39-31-10 last season, making the AHL playoffs for the first time under New Jersey operation. The River Rats, 43-29-8, were sold and will play in Charlotte next season.