Toronto Maple Leafs Should Trade Kadri, JVR & Gardiner

Feb 25, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Josh Leivo (32) reacts after scoring a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Josh Leivo (32) reacts after scoring a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
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Trading Kadri and Friends:

Where the Toronto Maple Leafs to go down this path, Zazem Kadri would fetch a huge return.

He is on a contract that has a very team-friendly cap-hit.  He is a great two-way player, and he has untapped offensive potential.  For a team on the verge of competing, he’d be a great addition. He’d be one of the only #1 centres available this summer.

The Leafs could get a ton for Kadri.

Toronto Maple Leafs
Apr 19, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri (43) heads up ice against the Washington Capitals in game four of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Washington defeated Toronto 5-4. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Then there is James van Riemsdyk, Jake Gardiner, Tyler Bozak and Leo Komarov.  Draft picks, young defenseman, wingers….any kinds of assets which can be used in the future.

It would suck to see these guys go, but imagine the collection of assets they’d bring back.  Kadri, JVR and Gardiner – all of whom are made even more valuable because of their team friendly deals – would bring back the Leafs multiple high-end picks and players.

To add into what they already have, they’d have one of the best young teams ever assembled.