Mike Komisarek

a solid blue line core at a reasonable value.  Between defensemen Tomas Kaberle, Jeff Finger, Mike Komisarek, Francois Beauchemin, Luke Schenn and now Phaneuf, the annual salary spent on the team's top six defenseman is $25.53 million.  With the NHL salary cap at $56.8 million, these six players make up about 45% of what the NHL allows payrolls to be.  This leaves little room for bringing in an all-star caliber player on offense to assist winger Phil Kessel in the goal-scoring department, and also makes it difficult to fill the gaps that the team needs in order to roll four strong lines.  If Burke can unload a few of these defensemen via trades or buy-outs, Phaneuf will have better offensive players to feed the puck to.

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m the media though?

Stolhand went on to talk about Burke's surprise naming of defenseman Mike Komisarek (West Islip, NY) to the team. 

“I think this is a pick that Brian Burke made because he is Toronto's GM and that's his guy and he would have to face that guy,” said Stolhand.  “Ryan Whitney is the better pick. 

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n Orr to a 4-year, $4 million contract.  He continued on a few hours later, picking defenseman Mike Komisarek up from free-agency.

The former Montreal Canadien is not known for his offensive ability, but rather his toughness and defensive abilities.  Komisarek, an All-Star in 2009, paved the way for the Montreal defense to start the 2008-09 campaign.  He was known league-wide as a feisty defenseman who will not back down from any challenge.  Komisarek finished last season with 121 penalty minutes, which led the Canadiens roster.

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