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Toronto Maple Leafs Sign Kadri and Rielly to 6-year Deals

By Rachel Halliwell |
Feb 2, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri (43) celebrates his game tying goal with center Leo Komarov (47) and defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) during the third period of the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 overtime win over the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri (43) celebrates his game tying goal with center Leo Komarov (47) and defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) during the third period of the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 overtime win over the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Maple Leafs make huge news Wednesday morning, signing F Nazem Kadri and D Morgan Rielly to 6-year deals.

Guess we know who the Toronto Maple Leafs want as their franchise players. Rielly’s deal is reportedly worth around $30M, Kadri’s around $27M.

What a way to kick off the ‘offseason’ for the Leafs. Rielly’s AAV is $5, Kadri’s is $4.5M. They managed to pay Kadri and Rielly under $10M a year. Lou for MVP.

Locking Morgan Rielly up long-term was a very smart idea. There is no doubt in my mind that he won’t be a top D-man in this league. He just hasn’t had much of an opportunity. Babcock really put him into that role this season and he prospered, having his best season yet.

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I also happen to think he may be the next Leafs captain. Build the kid into a leader, he’s your guy. Great guy, good head on his shoulders. He doesn’t put up many points, but it’s kind of hard to do when even the forwards dont put up many points.

Morgan Rielly really came into his own as a defenceman this season. Babcock had him out there over 20 minutes a game, matching up against the leagues best. The coaching staff really put a lot of trust in Morgan to lead the team defensively, and he did that. He was by far the teams best D-man this season. Management saw it, the coaching staff saw it, and every other team knew it. I’m not surprised they locked him up long-term.

Nazem Kadri is a different story.

I am quite surprised they gave Kadri a 6-year deal, partially because I figured they’d trade him this offseason. His trade value has never been higher, and the return you could get would be quite high. Likely a top 4 D-man and maybe a pick. However, they signed him and there’s nothing we can do about that now.

Kadri lead the Maple Leafs with 45 points this season. He also played his best season yet. He really responded well Mike Babcock’s coaching style, and really came into his own as a top 2 centre in the NHL.

Feb 4, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri (43) skates with the puck against the New Jersey Devils at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Devils 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri (43) skates with the puck against the New Jersey Devils at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Devils 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

The thing about Kadri that I think was the kicker for the Toronto Maple Leafs is that he’s and agitator. They do not have anyone on that roster that is like that besides Kadri. He gets under guys skin, and draws penalties like it’s nobodies business. Much like a Brad Marchand, who is a key part of the Bruins team.

The only part about the Kadri signing that I don’t like is that he now is thrust into the role of leader on a very young Toronto Maple Leafs squad. Yes, so is Rielly, but he’s ready for it. Kadri’s attitude suggests otherwise. Still not sure I want Babs bringing the kids in, pointing at Kadri and going ‘be like that guy’.

All in all I think these were two smart deals by the Toronto Maple Leafs. They locked up a smart, talented young D-man that will undoubtably become one of the best defenseman in the league, and a gritty, in-your-face centre that works hard with and without the puck. I’ll say it again, Lou for MVP.

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