Analyst Names the Trade Target Who Makes the Most Sense for the Maple Leafs Right Now
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An analysis examines the best fit for the Toronto Maple Leafs to fill their need for an impact player in their roster.
Looking for a top-six forward to replace Mitch Marner hasn't come easy for the Toronto Maple Leafs, with their main addition being the acquistion of Matias Maccelli fron the Utah Mammoth, who is looking to rebound with a disappointing season, having just 18 points in 57 games in 2024-25.
Despite the acquisition of Maccelli, GM Brad Treliving has put emphasis on the fact that the Toronto Maple Leafs aren't done, but with 15 forwards already on their roster and work needing to be done, nothing can be ensured that the Leafs will continue to add, and they may go into the upcoming season with what they have.
The Toronto Maple Leafs on paper don't look as if they are done, but unless they get the top remaining free agent in Jack Roslovic, a player the Leafs have been linked to, they'll have to rely on the trade market, and there's one familiar name that seems to generating real interest.
Toronto Maple Leafs Linked To Former Player In Trade Rumors
A new analysis piece gives a strong suggestion at who the Toronto Maple Leafs should be targeting in their top-six, and it's a former Leaf who is already familiar with talks over a potential return.
For 'Editor In Leaf', writer Jeremy Franks makes the case for a reunion with former Leaf Nazem Kadri, presenting the argument for re-acquiring the 34-year-old.
Kadri, soon to be 35, plays with an edge and nastiness that the Leafs could use. Plus, he can score and is perfectly suited to play second-line center behind Matthews.
Kadri is the Maple Leafs' best fit. He would lengthen the team's depth at center and allow Tavares to play on the third line, which is most suitable at this stage of his career.
Kadri is the Maple Leafs' best fit. He would lengthen the team's depth at center and allow Tavares to play on the third line, which is most suitable at this stage of his career.
This isn't the first time Nazem Kadri has been linked to Toronto, and he's been a popular point of discussion this offseason with the possibility he makes his return for the Leafs.
What Would A Nazem Kadri Trade Look Like For Toronto?
Acquiring Nazem Kadri would give the Leafs a potential 2C who plays with a high level of energy and provide a boost on offense.
As Franks mentioned, the Leafs would have a deep group at center with Matthews, Kadri, & Tavares down the middle, with Tavares giving Toronto a much needed bottom-six scoring boost that was lacking in the Leafs roster last season.
Kadri is making $7M, and with the Leafs just under $2M in cap space, they'd have to have the Calgary Flames do some retention in sending Kadri to Toronto, at 50% being a more easier to swallow $3.5M, with the Leafs moving a contract out to balance that number.
The problem with the deal is a lack of youth talent and picks for the Leafs. Toronto only has one key prospect in Easton Cowan, with no first round picks until 2028. A deal, especially one including retention, likely starts and ends with Cowan.
Giving up the Leafs only major valuable futures asset in Cowan, a potential top-six forward in his own right, for an aging Nazem Kadri, is a major question mark, but one that the Leafs may feel compelled to make.
The Toronto Maple Leafs may be hoping for someone younger or cheaper than Nazem Kadri, but they may not find someone who provides the upside Kadri does, while being familiar with the organization and what comes with playing in Toronto as a player.
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