NHL Insider Addresses Nazem Kadri Trade Rumors Linking Him Back to the Maple Leafs

There have been reports recently that the Toronto Maple Leafs want to add another top-six forward to their ranks, as they look to add just a bit more firepower to help out Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and new faces Matias Maccelli and Nicolas Roy.

Several options remain, though some are going to be quite pricey at the end of the day. One name the team has been linked to heavily is former Nazem Kadri, who while a bit older, is still a fantastic offensive presence.

He's open to a reunion with the club, and he never truly seemed like he wanted to leave, though outside circumstances essentially forced him out. He would be perfect in the Leafs top-six, and Calgary could certainly use the extra space.

But according to NHL Insider Darren Dreger, while Kadri's name is still bouncing about in trade rumors, there's a good chance that he's not actually moved this offseason:

It's an unfortunate turn of events for the Maple Leafs considering they are working diligently to get another top-six forward and Kadri's familiarity with the media, city, and reuniting with former teammates would allow a near seamless transition.

Though it's completely understandable why Calgary would want to keep Kadri in their ranks.

Last season he posted a career high 35 goals, was their key offensive threat, and he was on the cusp of making the postseason until the bitter end. If GM Craig Conroy feels confident in his team; he's not moving Kadri.

Plus, there's the cost to bring him in as well. Kadri makes $7-million per season, and Toronto would need to make a few more moves in order to open up cap room, and if there's salary retention thrown in, that price jumps up even higher.

Kadri, 34, was drafted 7th overall by the Maple Leafs in 2009 and spent 10 seasons with the club, scoring 357 points in 561 games (161G, 196A) before being traded to the Avalanche, where he won a Stanley Cup.

Spending six seasons split between Colorado and Calgary, Kadri has 353 points in 424 games (146G, 207A).

Though he might not be available yet, never say never in the NHL. Brad Treliving has a lot of connections back in Calgary, and may be able to bring in Kadri; we just might need to be a bit more patient.