The Maple Leafs may suddenly be able to land Nazem Kadri at a discount
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
According to a new report from Nick Kypreos, teams are a bit weary on acquiring Nazem Kadri which gives Toronto the perfect opportunity to swoop in and nab him.
Although his name hasn't popped up recently, there's been a lot of talk since the offseason about whether or not the Calgary Flames are going to trade veteran forward Nazem Kadri or hold onto him in the hopes he can help turn things around.
That may not be the case with the team sitting 29th and while they are in a fairly wide open Pacific Division, unless they get on a hot streak; it could be a fire-sale in Calgary.
Kadri could be a target but only if his price drops
Which means names like Kadri could be on the block, however a new report has revealed that his value isn't as it once was, and the combination of age, contract, and offensive struggles are causing issues.
Nick Kypreos explained in a recent article for Sportsnet that teams are hesitant to trade for Kadri, and whatever options have been offered aren't great -- which could prolong things considerably:
Teams are wary of his age and the remaining term on his deal. The offers haven't been inspiring, and that decision may drag right up until the trade deadline.
Kadri is having a decent season all things considered, still leads the Flames in scoring with 32 points, but his defense has taken a bit of a hit and his physicality and edginess has disappeared.
But if that's just a product of his environment, then a move out could motivate him again and his old club could be the perfect place.
Toronto should target Nazem Kadri -- but only if he's cheap
While things ended unceremoniously for Kadri his first time around with the Maple Leafs, that was the old regime. The current GM Is the one who signed him originally in Calgary and Kadri hasn't been shy about being open to a reunion.
But if things are still frosty in Calgary and the offers aren't there then GM Craig Conroy may start to get desperate which opens up more creative offers.
Names like Calle Jarnkrok, Philippe Myers, Simon Benoit, and Matias Maccelli are all potential candidates although the latter has played himself into the lineup and the others are more depth than anything.
They won't move the needle but if the team can add a player like Jacob Quillan alongside them, with perhaps a late-round pick then they can see if the money fits.
Moving out names like Jarnkrok and Myers would open up some space, and in addition to Chris Tanev's cap relief it would be enough to pay Kadri.
But the issue is that he's 35 years old, has another three seasons left after 2025-26 at a cap hit on $7-million. That's a lot of money to spend on a player who might be regressing and will be an unmovable contract if so.
If Toronto can find a way to bring in Kadri without sacrificing too much in terms of their future and what they've currently built then it might work out great.
Though at the potential risk of failing yet again on the trade market it may be best to let the former player figure it out elsewhere.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 12|951 ANSWERS The Maple Leafs may suddenly be able to land Nazem Kadri at a discount Would you trade for Nazem Kadri if you were the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 420 | 44.2 % |
| No | 531 | 55.8 % |
| List of polls | ||