Leafs D Kaberle could return Saturday

Feb 25, 2009 - 5:05 PM TORONTO (Ticker) -- Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle, who has been sidelined since January 29 with a broken right hand, is hoping to return to the lineup this weekend.

The All-Star practiced with the Leafs on Tuesday and is targeting Saturday against Ottawa as his return date.

"If it feels good (tonight at home against the New York Rangers), I'll play (tonight) ... but probably not," Kaberle told the Toronto Star. "It's improving. It's a lot better than last week. My wrister is pretty good but slap shots I can't do right now."

The 30-year-old Kaberle, who has spent his entire 10-year career in Toronto, was the Maple Leafs' leading scorer among defenseman when he was injured. He has four goals and 26 assists in 49 games.

A puck-moving defenseman, Kaberle could be auditioning for a possible trade before next Wednesday's deadline.