Flames Fans Turn on Nazem Kadri, Fueling Talk of Potential Leafs Reunion

There's a ton of speculation regarding Nazem Kadri and if he is going to make a return to the Maple Leafs. Several reports have shown Kadri's name in the mix, and he's well aware of all the chatter, but isn't really shying away from it.

Which is great news for Toronto if they want to re-acquire him, as there seems to be no leftover animosity after being shipped out of town unceremoniously the first time.

But what also might be a good indicator of Kadri returning to the Leafs is some recent fan engagement on social media.

The Win Column Calgary; an X account dedicated to analyzing the Flames, put out on a poll recently on their page asking fans if the team should trade Nazem Kadri if he is willing to waive his no-movement clause and the results were genuinely shocking:

In a landslide choice, fans voted 78% 'Yes' regarding moving Kadri out, and though the sentiment through the poll is pro-trade, there are some who are questioning that choice.

Maple Leafs fans are also getting in on the voting action, as they have their own poll asking if they want to see Kadri back (regardless of optics).

The voting is still open, however the staggering results show that Kadri coming back would be a huge boost to the team overall (86% yes, 14% no).

It's interesting to see the opposites in the situation, with the majority of the issue being replacing not only Kadri's offense, but his locker room leadership and willingness to help mentor their young stars.

Kadri, 34, had 67 points in 82 games last season (35 goals, 32 assists) and has 207 points since leaving Toronto, winning a Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2022.

Though, with Calgary having such a young roster and them only being on the cusp of the playoffs, would Craig Conroy entertain a deal even if Kadri wants out?

Well, they could look to the Leafs to help them out there. Nick Robertson is available, young, and needs a fresh start. Bobby McMann is a late-blooming forward who is going to be great for at least a few more years, and his $1.35-million cap hit for 20+ goals is an absolute steal.

They could also dangle Brandon Carlo, and with all of the talk regarding a potential Rasmus Andersson trade, the team might be in the market for a replacement right-handed defenseman.

It will likely take a combination of both a young forward and Carlo; or if Toronto wanted to part with their last remaining premium pick (a 2027 2nd-rounder) at least that and someone like Robertson and maybe a depth center (David Kampf anyone?)

While Toronto has to be careful not to overpay, considering Kadri is 34 years old and on a fairly lucrative deal, there's something special about him returning to where it all started to help lead the team to glory.