Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Tomas Kaberle played on offence Wednesday, telling reporters his relationship with head coach Ron Wilson is between them and does not involve his own father.
There were plenty of eyebrows raised in the city last month when Kaberle's father Frantisek Kaberle Sr. told Czech hockey magazine Hokej that despite the fact that Tomas has a no-trade clause, he didn't see his son playing for the Leafs for the whole season.
The veteran blueliner, who is back in Toronto preparing for the start of training camp, explained that his father meant well and was just sticking up for him.
"My father's opinion I can't control," he told a scrum at the team's practice facility. "Can you control your Dad? I love my Dad, but I don't agree with everything my father says. That's normal. And I don't agree with everything with (my coach). But (especially) when you're losing, you get into some arguments."
Kaberle was one of several lightning rods for a team that failed to make the playoffs for a fifth-straight season and the Leafs were unable to make a deal they found suitable for their offensive defenceman. With his no trade clause kicking back in last month, Kaberle can once again approve or disapprove any potential deal that could be made.
"I will always play my style of game, that's why I was brought over here in my first year," Kaberle said. "It's always fit perfect and if it doesn't, I will have to move on."
Kaberle, who has one-year remaining on his contract, had seven goals and 42 assists in 82 games last season.
The 32-year old defenceman also made a point to say that it was up to him and Wilson to talk thing over before training camp - a sentiment that the coach shared late last month.
"I'm just looking forward to (the) first day of the season - opening night," Kaberle said. "We have a shot (at the playoffs) this year, there is a lot of change over the summer. I have a good feeling about this team. I'll do anything for this organization. They've been so good to me for (the) last 12 years."
Leafs defenceman Mike Komisarek also shared his teammate's thoughts, hoping to move on with the season ahead.
"There's no issue between Kabby and Wilse," said Komisarek. "Wilse is always around in the room joking around with the guys. Everyone in the room knows there's no issue with those two guys. We've got more pressing issues than that. I'm more concerned about what we need to do to get results. We have great depth on defence and new guys we're trying to incorporate. I want our team known for being tough to play against. I want the media to be talking about this than coach-player-father relationships. They should go on a soap opera about it."
