TORONTO — After weeks of speculation, the Toronto Maple Leafs have dealt veteran defenceman Tomas Kaberle to the Boston Bruins.

The 32-year-old waived his no-trade clause and was sent to Beantown on Friday in exchange for prospect centre Joe Colborne along with the Bruins' first-round pick in 2011 — not the potential lottery pick that Toronto earlier sent Boston's way in the ill-fated Phil Kessel trade — and a conditional draft pick.

Kaberle was expected to join the Bruins in Ottawa and be available to play against the Senators on Friday night.

"He is an impact player, just how he controls the power play, the way he moves the puck and when you look at our team, it's certainly something we needed," said Bruins coach Claude Julien. "That's been our main concern."

The Bruins rank 14th in the NHL in power-play conversion at 18.1 per cent.

The Kaberle trade was one of two on the day for the Bruins, who also sent forward Blake Wheeler and defenceman Mark Stuart to the Atlanta Thrashers for centre Rich Peverley and defenceman Boris Valabik.

"Peverley is one of those guys who has an edge," said Julien. "We've liked him every time we've played against him. He manages to get shots at the net. Again, one of those situations where you're adding a player who you feel will be a good fit."

Kaberle spent 12 seasons with Toronto and ranks second in career scoring for Leafs defencemen, behind only Borje Salming.

This season, Kaberle has three goals and 35 assists in 58 games. In 878 NHL games — all with the Leafs — Kaberle has collected 83 goals and 437 assists.

Kaberle is making $4.25 million US this season, but is scheduled for unrestricted free agency on July 1.

"On behalf of our entire organization, I would like to thank Tomas for all of his many outstanding contributions to the Toronto Maple Leafs on the ice, and in the community," Leafs president and general manager Brian Burke said in a statement. "He has been a model citizen and it's never easy to trade a player that has conducted himself as professionally as Tomas has for the past 13 years."

Colborne, meanwhile, gives the Leafs a rangy centre who could complement scoring winger Kessel.

The 21-year-old Calgary native stands six-foot-five and was selected in the first round, 16th overall, by Boston in the 2008 NHL entry draft. Colborne has 12 goals and 14 assists in 55 games with Providence of the AHL this season.

"We are happy to add another first-round draft pick and a solid prospect in Joe Colborne," said Burke. "He brings a unique combination of skill, vision and size."

As part of the deal, Toronto will receive the Bruins' second-round selection in 2012 if Boston reaches the Stanley Cup final this season or re-signs Kaberle.