Maple Leafs Could Face a Divisional Rival in Pursuit of Nazem Kadri
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
According to NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun, the Toronto Maple Leafs may have some serious competition from one of their biggest rivals, the Montreal Canadiens.
With the Toronto Maple Leafs taking on the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night, it meant the return of former player Nazem Kadri as he looked to help his team find their groove after a very rough start to the 2025-26 season.
The subject of heavy trade speculation, Kadri couldn't best his old team and came away with a 4-3 loss, as the talk starts to pick up. Calgary might be willing to move their veterans amidst a free falling season; and he could be on the chopping block.
LeBrun Names Maple Leafs' Bitter Rivals As Potential Nazem Kadri Destination
The Maple Leafs have been heavily linked to their former draft pick, and he would add the perfect dynamic to a team desperate for that last piece of the puzzle.
If that wasn't enough speculation, NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun named one of their biggest rivals as a potential spot.
Speaking on TSN's Overdrive recently, LeBrun explained that the Montreal Canadiens are working diligently to improve their top-six, and have Kadri in mind:
The Habs. My understanding is they've gone through the entire league in their preparations internally and have a list of what centers could potentially pop up ahead of the March 6 deadline; yes Kadri is one of those names.
The Canadiens could certainly use a boost up the middle although are getting some serious production up the middle with a combined 28 points from their pivots (though Nick Suzuki has 16 of those) and adding more consistency would be key for GM Kent Hughes.
That spells bad news for Toronto not only because they are going to be fighting with Montreal all season for a chance at the Atlantic Division title, but also the fact that the Canadiens have way more to offer in terms of assets and draft picks.
Why Toronto Has An Uphill Climb To Acquire Kadri
This is a team that went out and was able to get Noah Dobson for two first-round picks and Emil Heineman; a steep price that didn't even make them budge at the cost.
Now add four picks in the first three rounds in 2026, plus a slew of picks the next two seasons, and you have enough assets to really pry someone like Kadri away especially if Calgary wants to hit the panic button on a rebuild.
Contrast that to Toronto who has their 2028 first-round pick, a 2027 and 2028 second-rounder, and a 2026 third-round pick. Montreal has any many picks in three rounds as Toronto does in three years in the premium rounds.
While it would be great for the Maple Leafs to bring in Nazem Kadri again, there's a chance they won't be able to field an offer good enough without seriously mortgaging their future.
It would hurt to stand by and watch their most heated rivals come in and make a huge splash this upcoming spring, and considering the assets they have; they just might.
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