Nazem Kadri Finally Addresses Trade Rumors Linking Him to Maple Leafs Return
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri was honest in his comments towards the rumors of him heading back to Toronto, and it seems he's entertaining the idea, much to fans' excitement.
There was a lot of speculation over the last few months regarding Nazem Kadri and a potential reunion with the Toronto Maple Leafs, starting at the deadline and continuing into the summer.
But things have picked up a lot in recent weeks especially with the news that the Maple Leafs want to add a top-six force to their lineup and Kadri would fit the bill perfectly.
Kadri willing to address trade rumors, sounds open to a reunion
He's been open to coming back in the past, though logistics may make it easier said than done.
However, it seems like Kadri hasn't forgotten where he started, and years for a return one day, and if his most recent comments are any indication; he wants to see where it goes.
Speaking on CFPL 980's Knight Shift; a podcast geared towards the London Knights, Kadri (a former Knight) spoke about the rumors regarding heading to Toronto and didn't seem bothered at all:
It's happened quite often over the last couple months, it's a bit bizarre. Just scrolling, seeing your face pop up, your name pop up. The rumour mill is strong around these parts and a lot of the time the rumors can catch some fire and get hotter.
Why not? There isn't a whole lot in terms of sports going on right now, I think it's a topic we should talk about, so let's talk about it.
Why not? There isn't a whole lot in terms of sports going on right now, I think it's a topic we should talk about, so let's talk about it.
While Kadri didn't necessarily flat out say he is wanting to head back to Toronto, the fact he isn't shying away from the chatter or spotlight (unlike some other players) shows he can tackle whatever his future might bring him.
But is it possible that Kadri is able to head back to where it all began?
Toronto's prodigal son returns for one last run
It's been a long time since Nazem Kadri put on the blue and white but wouldn't it be a great story, for him to come back through all the turmoil he endured to find new life and help his former team find glory.
He can do it too, as he just put up a career high 35 goals, is as motivated as ever to win, and even at 34 is still putting up fantastic numbers; similar to another Leafs icon in John Tavares.
Speaking of Tavares, adding Kadri to his wing might just push them over the top. We saw how good he was with William Nylander, and giving him another outlet in Kadri is dangerous.
Plus, given the situations both Kadri and Tavares can swap between center and wing, and it would give them that power play replacement for Mitch Marner if they wanted to go back to five forwards.
The issue is the cost, given that Kadri is making a lot of money and is at the forefront of the Flames' offense; a team that narrowly missed out on the playoffs.
Toronto would need salary retention, plus they would need to give up some pretty significant names. They may need to part with whatever picks they have plus someone like Brandon Carlo or even Morgan Rielly.
The latter might make sense from a financial standpoint but he holds a full no-movement clause so a trade might be out of the question; though he would be closer to his home of BC.
Kadri, 34, has 710 points in 985 career games. Drafted 7th overall in 2009, Kadri spent a decade in Toronto (357 points in 651 games) before being unceremoniously shipped out of town, going on to win a Cup with Colorado in 2022.
Nothing is guaranteed, and we very well may never see Kadri in a Leafs jersey again, but he seems entertained by the idea and right now; we'll take all we can get.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 12 | 4947 ANSWERS Nazem Kadri Finally Addresses Trade Rumors Linking Him to Maple Leafs Return Would you like to see Nazem Kadri return to the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 3491 | 70.6 % |
| No | 1456 | 29.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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