The Real Reason the Maple Leafs Should Bring Back Nazem Kadri: "I Never Wanted to Leave"
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Although Nazem Kadri's tenure with the Maple Leafs ended in turmoil, some new comments show he always wanted to be a part of the grind regardless of how tough things get in Toronto; and they should bring him back.
While the Maple Leafs see the departure of Mitch Marner this summer to free agency, they must be feeling a bit of deja vu, as it wasn't too long ago before they sent another homegrown London Knight talent out of town.
Coming back home: Nazem Kadri still has love for Toronto
Nazem Kadri was once a huge part of what was supposed to be Toronto's journey back to glory, but it wasn't meant to be. He put in a great career with the Leafs before some tension and drama with management led to him souring his relationship with the team.
But with a new regime in place and a mentality change being worked on, it's about time the team looked into bringing him back, and some new comments show that not only is that a possibility; but he always wanted to be here:
I never wanted to leave.
I vetoed a trade to Calgary in the summer of 2019. And it didn't really have anything to do with the Flames or really any other team in the league. There are lots of great clubs with amazing fans and loud buildings.
But the team, the city; it was a part of me.
Because the thing I think always connected me to Toronto was because I got it, you know?
I got how badly the fans wanted to win.
I got how frustrating the jokes about '67 were.
I got the passion.
I understood.
And Toronto was my home.
I vetoed a trade to Calgary in the summer of 2019. And it didn't really have anything to do with the Flames or really any other team in the league. There are lots of great clubs with amazing fans and loud buildings.
But the team, the city; it was a part of me.
Because the thing I think always connected me to Toronto was because I got it, you know?
I got how badly the fans wanted to win.
I got how frustrating the jokes about '67 were.
I got the passion.
I understood.
And Toronto was my home.
It's an incredible bit of insight towards Kadri's feelings with the team, and even though he may harbor some resentment towards how he was treated towards the end, it seems that it all had to do with who was in charge.
With those names out of the picture, would Kadri entertain a return, and should the Maple Leafs try?
Toronto needs to bring back Nazem Kadri; add that passion back into the lineup
For as much criticism as he got at times for maybe not hustling as much, or being undisciplined; Kadri was a stud for the Maple Leafs and got even better after.
Over the last three seasons with the Flames he's put up 198 points (88G, 110A) and won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2021-22 (he had a career high 87 points that year as well).
He could easily slide into the 2/3C hole and if John Tavares re-signs, there isn't a better three-headed monster than Auston Matthews, Kadri and Tavares; especially knowing how much the trio love the city.
It will cost Toronto a bit however, both financially and in terms of trade value. Kadri makes $7-million for the next three seasons and will be 37 by the time his contract is over.
That's a lot of money to commit to an already ancient roster, not to mention they would need to put together a decent enough proposal for GM Craig Conroy to bite.
Their prospect pool is thin, but if they were able to dangle one of their many goaltenders, and maybe they can see if Calgary will take on one of their cheaper deals like Max Domi; oh and a bunch of picks.
But if Toronto wants to take on that much money, it may not cost them too much to acquire Kadri, and for someone who exudes the passion and love for the fans and the city; that's a small price to pay.
It's still cheaper than Mitch Marner anyways.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 22 | 686 ANSWERS The Real Reason the Maple Leafs Should Bring Back Nazem Kadri: "I Never Wanted to Leave" Would you want Nazem Kadri back on the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 500 | 72.9 % |
| No | 186 | 27.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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