Why a Nazem Kadri Reunion Could Backfire on the Maple Leafs Right Now
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs trading for Nazem Kadri is a risk for the team based on his reported cost to acquire him from the Calgary Flames after a report Nick Kypreos.
The Calgary are looking at a move for forward Nazem Kadri, with rumors circulating that the Toronto Maple Leafs are one team that could be a team to contend for their former center in a deal.
Nazem Kadri's Trade Value Skyrocketing: Kypreos
According to a report from Nick Kypreos, Kadri's current value has "never been higher" as the forward came off a productive year with 67 points and a career-high 35 goals last season.
Kadri, who was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs 7th overall in 2009 and spent his first ten season with the team, could be a player who makes the move back to his hometown Leafs in a deal as Calgary looks at a potential rebuild.
There's no certainty that Kadri will be on the move, but there are links that indicate a trade is possible to recoup assets.
Toronto, who is still looking at a potential top-six forward add and has made it clear that is their goal, is believed to be monitoring Kadri and evaluating him as a potential fit on the team, but acquiring the 34-year-old comes with potential risks.
Nazem Kadri Trade Could Be Too Costly For Leafs
While the Toronto Maple Leafs have struggled to add to their top-six since moving on from Mitch Marner and not finding a replacement as of yet, making Kadri the piece to take over comes with uncertainty.
Most concerning is Kypreos' report that Kadri has a high amount of value that could present a challenge to the Toronto Maple Leafs who lack both top prospects and draft picks, with Easton Cowan the only real young asset with high upside in the Leafs system.
Kypreos implies that Flames GM Craig Conroy is looking for a return that matches his value of Kadri, and Cowan comes the closest, and really the best match for Kadri's value as a 2C.
Kadri Worth The Price? Not Necessarily
Kadri is entering the fourth year of a seven-year deal with the Calgary Flames at $7M annually, a contract taking him to his age-38 season in 2029.
He put in another solid season with the Flames, and was easily their best offensive force. In 82 games he put up 67 points including a career-high 35 goals, while also adding that grit and toughness down the middle.
The risk of investing so much money into an aging center in Kadri, even with his talent is a tough pill to swallow.
It should also be considered that Kadri faced questions over his work ethic and ability to be a playoff producer.
While Kadri has matured and has a Stanley Cup to show, the same criticisms Marner had this season were latched on to Kadri during his tenure in Toronto.
The Leafs have just under $3M in cap space and would have to move at least two players to make the deal work.
Adding Kadri would have the Leafs at $4M over the cap, they could move Max Domi who is making $3.75M along with another player, perhaps David Kämpf or Calle Järnkrok. Trading Domi, however, creates yet another hole on offense.
The Toronto Maple Leafs next season are still waiting to find the right top-six player, who could impact the team's roster.
The problem is that Nazem Kadri may be too much for the Leafs to afford, or too much for them to be able to give up.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 19 | 1575 ANSWERS Why a Nazem Kadri Reunion Could Backfire on the Maple Leafs Right Now Should the Toronto Maple Leafs Trade for Nazem Kadri? | ||
| Yes | 897 | 57 % |
| No | 678 | 43 % |
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