Nazem Kadri Trade Chatter Takes Sudden Turn After New Insider Report Linked to Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Brett Holmes-Imagn Images
The trade noise surrounding Nazem Kadri and the Toronto Maple Leafs took a bit of a turn thanks to a report from Frank Seravalli, who cooled down the heated rumors surrounding the veteran.
Doing the Maple Leafs a solid this offseason, Brad Treliving brought in a bunch of new faces that are part of this new identity change, and he did so for less than the cost of Mitch Marner's contract last season.
The switch to a deeper, tougher lineup is expected to give Toronto much more of a chance against teams like Florida, Tampa, and Carolina in the postseason, and there's more than a few surprises to be had.
Nazem Kadri's availability takes a drastic turnaround
But they are still missing a top-six punch, because even though the team overall may be better; Marner's lost offense hurts. Which is why Nazem Kadri's name has been thrown around so much, because there's mutual interest and he would be able to add that help.
Though, according to Frank Seravalli; that isn't going to happen anytime soon:
A lot of talk in the news about the Calgary Flames and Nazem Kadri; what happens? It is summer, it is hot out, so maybe it's time for me to pour some cold water on those rumors.
You heard him linked to the Maple Leafs, the Canadiens, lots of different places. Let's keep the link with the Calgary Flames. Not only has he done everything they've asked of him, but Calgary isn't interested in moving him.
Sources indicate that Calgary hasn't really initiated any of those conversations, and that it would take a heck of an offer to get Nazem Kadri out of a place he is so engrained in with both the culture and the community.
By the way, look at their last season; 29th in goals scored. They need more scoring, not less, so we've talked all long about the idea of how difficult it is for teams to acquire top-six forwards let alone centres, Nazem Kadri is very unlikely to be on the move.
You heard him linked to the Maple Leafs, the Canadiens, lots of different places. Let's keep the link with the Calgary Flames. Not only has he done everything they've asked of him, but Calgary isn't interested in moving him.
Sources indicate that Calgary hasn't really initiated any of those conversations, and that it would take a heck of an offer to get Nazem Kadri out of a place he is so engrained in with both the culture and the community.
By the way, look at their last season; 29th in goals scored. They need more scoring, not less, so we've talked all long about the idea of how difficult it is for teams to acquire top-six forwards let alone centres, Nazem Kadri is very unlikely to be on the move.
We've seen tons of speculation regarding Kadri's availability, but if Seravalli is to be believed, it's going to take a king's ransom to acquire him.
So, if Toronto wants to, what can they offer?
Toronto goes all-in, trades future in high-stakes gamble
Look, this is the Maple Leafs, so historically they are willing to risk it all for the chance to win, and with this lineup needing one last piece; it might be worth it.
So taking that into consideration, I'm sorry fans but this is going to be a stacked deal. Easton Cowan is part of a package; so too is Nick Robertson and Max Domi, and maybe that last 2026 2nd-rounder.
Craig Conroy hates playing with Brad Treliving, this much is certain, and Toronto is going to need to make it worth his while, even if he is taking off $7-million in cap.
Calgary wants an NHL-caliber player in return no doubt, so give them two in Robertson and Domi, who change their top-nine and give them their much needed scoring.
Cowan is the centrepiece but he has to be, and while there is a lot of excitement about what he can bring, he's just out of juniors and there's no guarantee his game will translate to the NHL; so selling on his hype is key.
The draft pick is a sweetener and with Toronto seemingly already mortgaging their future away with other picks; what difference does one pick make?
Adding Kadri, who is going to be 35, is a risk for sure, but it's a gamble that is going to make or break Brad Treliving's tenure with the Leafs.
The only question remains is will they fold, or end up bluffing their way into a jackpot in the end?
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 22 | 2251 ANSWERS Nazem Kadri Trade Chatter Takes Sudden Turn After New Insider Report Linked to Maple Leafs Do you think Nazem Kadri to the Leafs is a good or bad idea? | ||
| Good idea! | 1183 | 52.6 % |
| Bad idea! | 1068 | 47.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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