Whereas his feedback weren’t possible meant to recommend he was in search of a commerce out of Calgary, present Flames ahead and former Toronto Maple Leafs star Nazem Kadri left the door open for a doable return to his hometown group. Throughout an interview in late October, the 34-year-old mentioned when requested about an eventual return to the Leafs, “I imply, who is aware of? I’d positively not put that out of the equation for certain… everyone is aware of how I really feel concerning the metropolis and the group.”
Mark Freitas of FiredUp Community took a better take a look at the thought of a reunion in Toronto. To say the least, it’s an interesting thought.
Kadri’s Roots in Toronto Run Deep
Kadri spent a decade with the Leafs. He not too long ago mentioned his profession on The Leaf Report podcast whereas selling his new memoir, Dreamer: My Life on the Edge. Through the interview, he was requested if he would ever think about going again to the Leafs. The timing of the query was intriguing, if solely as a result of the Flames are a group taking part in nicely however going by way of a retool. It’s not clear he desires to remain for it, however he instructed the media to “pump the brakes” once they began asking about his future.
The Maple Leafs are additionally doubtlessly making modifications if John Tavares and Mitch Marner think about completely different choices. They’re struggling on offense they usually need to enhance the group.
Kadri Is A Completely different Form of Participant Now
Because the article factors out, whereas Kadri’s time in Toronto was polarizing, he was identified for his hard-nosed taking part in model. He grew to become a fan favourite, contributing 161 objectives and 196 assists in 561 regular-season video games with the Leafs. Nevertheless, his aggressive play additionally led to a number of suspensions, together with back-to-back postseason bans in opposition to the Boston Bruins in 2018 and 2019. These suspensions in the end contributed to his commerce to Colorado.
However, when Kadri performed a key position in serving to the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 2022, some Leafs followers regarded again on that deal and questioned if it was a mistake to surrender on him earlier than he’d matured.
Now with the Calgary Flames, Kadri’s identify is on the market in commerce talks. The Flames are taking part in higher than many believed they could this season, however when he signed as a free agent, he wasn’t essentially signing up for a rebuild. His future nonetheless isn’t clear primarily based on what path the group will take this season. Hypothesis is that a lot of the large trades the Flames plan to make are executed. However, ought to the group begin to wrestle, it will be logical for the group to area calls on a few of their gamers.
Is a Kadri Return to Toronto Even Doable?
Toronto’s lineup may benefit from Kadri’s tenacity and depth at middle, particularly given their new coach Craig Berube likes to reward that sort of play. Kadri may additionally handle Toronto’s latest energy play struggles. Kadri doesn’t kill penalties, however his offense and aggressive model could be a welcome addition. Firedup Community writes:
If a commerce have been to occur, the Leafs would get Kadri, and in trade, they may surrender Nick Robertson, David Kämpf, Calle Järnkrok, and picks.
His return could be difficult as a consequence of Kadri’s no-movement clause and his substantial contract. Even when he’s keen, his wage creates problems. His present deal at $7 million per season runs till 2029. That may appear to be a good charge given the rising wage cap, but it surely’s nonetheless a difficult quantity for the Maple Leafs to make work; not with out different strikes.
A deal is unlikely to materialize anytime quickly. What occurs because the NHL Commerce Deadline nears is one other story. And, given the truth that Kadri could be open to a return, the no-trade clause received’t be a problem. Kadri’s connection to Toronto stays robust. Is it stronger than his want to win in Calgary?
Subsequent: Wanting Again on How Corey Perry’s NHL Profession Virtually Ended
