Maple Leafs D Kaberle to miss month with hand injury

Jan 31, 2009 - 6:50 PM TORONTO (Ticker) -- Toronto Maple Leafs top defenseman Tomas Kaberle is expected to be sidelined for a month with a hand injury, the team announced Saturday.

The subject of numerous trade rumors, Kaberle suffered the injury in Thursday's 7-4 win over Colorado and is wearing a cast on his right hand.

The 30-year-old Kaberle, who has spent his entire 10-year career in Toronto, is the Maple Leafs' leading scorer among defenseman with four goals and 26 assists. He picked up a pair of assists in last Sunday's All-Star Game.

"He moves the puck better than most guys in the league," Toronto coach Ron Wilson said. "So, obviously we're going to miss him."

To take Kaberle's roster spot, the Maple Leafs recalled defenseman Anton Stralman from the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League. In 25 games with the Maple Leafs this season, Stralman has collected a goal and six assists.