Maple Leafs Reportedly Face Division Rival in Pursuit of Nazem Kadri
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to be in the running for Nazem Kadri if Calgary decides to trade him but according to Nick Kypreos, they have competition from the Montreal Canadiens.
There's been a lot of chatter recently regarding the trade potential of Nazem Kadri, especially as it relates to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
We've heard several reports that the two parties might have some interest, and Kadri himself mentioned he was well aware of the rumors, though he didn't seem to swayed or upset by the notion of a reunion.
He would no doubt add that offensive punch, and be a great comeback story after leaving the team originally under some less than ideal circumstances, only to come back and lead them to glory.
Toronto has stiff competition from Montreal for Nazem Kadri
However, according to NHL analyst Nick Kypreos, the Leafs aren't the only ones with interest, as their most hated enemies, Montreal, are also in the mix.
On his updated trade board, Kypreos was confident that the Leafs and Canadiens were the two teams with the most interest in Kadri:
Two teams that Kadri continues to be linked to and appear to be willing to lift his no-move clause for are the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Toronto's Brad Treliving has tried numerous times to trade with his old club in the past only to be shut down by the Flames on Tanev, Zadorov and Andersson, so it may be a stretch for the Leafs to land Kadri.
Toronto's Brad Treliving has tried numerous times to trade with his old club in the past only to be shut down by the Flames on Tanev, Zadorov and Andersson, so it may be a stretch for the Leafs to land Kadri.
Also, there may be more truth to this than pure speculation as according to analyst Willyston Riellander on X: Kypreos and Kadri's agent Darren Ferris (Mitch Marner's coincidentally) are close.
Kypreos explained too why he believes Kadri is one of the top players available on the trade market:
So why is he on this list? First, there are a lot of teams in need of a top-six centre around the NHL, so it should be a seller's market for anyone willing to give one up.
He'll turn 35 in October, has won a Stanley Cup, and is still playing at a high level. Kadri scored 67 points this past season and a career-high 35 goals.
The Flames are building up their young team and while Kadri could still possibly be a contributing piece when some of the youth blossoms, a trade now could also bring Calgary a package that would help them more in the long-term.
And that return would improve if the Flames also retain salary. Currently they are only retaining salary on Jacob Markstrom for one more season.
He'll turn 35 in October, has won a Stanley Cup, and is still playing at a high level. Kadri scored 67 points this past season and a career-high 35 goals.
The Flames are building up their young team and while Kadri could still possibly be a contributing piece when some of the youth blossoms, a trade now could also bring Calgary a package that would help them more in the long-term.
And that return would improve if the Flames also retain salary. Currently they are only retaining salary on Jacob Markstrom for one more season.
Kadri, 34, had a career-high 35 goals last season, and has emerged as one of the most reliable and consistent performers, even winning himself a Stanley Cup in 2022.
With Toronto holding onto some intriguing pieces in both their system and on the main roster, could a deal get done?
Toronto has assets, but are they enough?
The Flames could no doubt use him, but at his cost and age it'll be tough to justify, especially with so many young stars expected to break out soon.
Toronto could part ways with guys like Nick Robertson or Bobby McMann along with prospects like William Villeneuve, or even a Noah Chadwick.
But as good as those potential pieces are, if the Canadiens are indeed in play for the veteran forward, they may have the upper hand.
Not only does Montreal hold three first-round picks, they also have several premium 2nd rounders they can dish off for Kadri, especially with a stacked 2026 Draft Class.
They could see Kadri as a sure replacement for Kirby Dach, who has looked good at times but hasn't reached the levels of a 3rd overall pick and might be looking for a change of scenery.
It also helps he's from Alberta and being close to home might be enticing enough for GM Kent Hughes to package him for Kadri along with a pick or two.
Brad Treliving still has a chance to land Kadri, and bring him back but if their nemesis is in the mix, they may lose out yet again.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 15 | 1342 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Reportedly Face Division Rival in Pursuit of Nazem Kadri Who do you think has the better chance of landing Nazem Kadri? | ||
| Montreal Canadiens | 567 | 42.3 % |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | 775 | 57.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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