Toronto Maple Leafs Can Become the New 2010 Chicago Blackhawks

Nov 5, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) and forward William Nylander (29) congratulate defenseman Jake Gardiner (51) on his goal against the Vancouver Canucks at Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Vancouver 6-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 15, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri (43) tries to control the puck against the Nashville Predators at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Nazem Kadri (drafted seventh overall in 2009) — Dave Bolland (drafted 32nd overall in 2004)

OK. Not the best comparison, I know, but it’s the best I could make given the other comparisons. If anything, this shows that the Leafs are in a better position in their rebuild than the Blackhawks were in certain positions.

If the Leafs other centres pan out similarly to the Blackhawks, success may be ahead. Nazem Kadri is a solid second line centre who’s defensive game has certainly improved far beyond expectations this season.

The fact that he potentially may be able to slot in as a third line centre on such a team shows the centre depth that the Leafs have.

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