Toronto Maple Leafs: Nazem Kadri Thriving In Agitator Role

The art of the agitator is changing: in today’s National Hockey League, agitators like the Toronto Maple Leafs Nazem Kadri agitate, but also provide above average offensive.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have had their share of pests; from Tie Domi, Darcy Tucker, and others who dawned the blue and white with the purpose to annoy. Often playing on the gray side of the game, these players never made a living with their offense.

Domi’s offensive game was nonexistent; in his 11 seasons, he provided little offense. His best season came during in ’02-’03 when he registered 29 points. Not exactly the numbers that keep someone around for over a decade; nonetheless, Domi did his job.

On the other hand, Tucker became the bridge between the agitators who displayed little to no offensive talents to those who find themselves on international and all-star teams. In his eight seasons with Toronto, he had three campaigns in which he registered 43, 59 and 61 points.

Although his primary objective was to stir things up, he had some offensive capabilities. Consistency was the obstacle for Tucker which prevented him from contributing more offense. Nonetheless, it shows the gradual transformation of the agitator role.

Nazem Kadri’s Growth Into Agitator Role

Drafted with the 7th pick in the first-round in 2009, Kadri didn’t garner the agitator label early on. Toronto fans hoped that he would solve the first line center hole left behind by the departure of Mats Sundin. He showed flashes of reaching his offensive potential during the lockout-shortened year in 2013 and the 2013-2014 season.

Kadri put together 44 and 50 point seasons, with peripheral numbers suggesting he deserved to have much higher totals.  After putting together a 45 point season in which the Toronto Maple Leafs finished dead last, Kadri was signed to a contract extension.  Now a part of the rebuild and now longer pinned with the expectations of becoming a number one center with the drafting of Auston Matthews, Kadri adapted to a new role.  Though with 32 goals last year, he essentially put up #1 centre numbers anyway.

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Last season saw him become an agitator, stirring the pot to get under the opponents skin. Key examples of this were games against the Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, and Washington Capitals. Playing in the grey area and hitting any player with the puck.

Agitators Possess Elite Skill

With Matthews cemented as the number one center and adjusting to a new role; Kadri’s game didn’t regress, it grew. He played in all 82 games last season, putting up career highs in points (61) and goals (30). And he did it while being asked to go out and shut-down the likes of McDavid and Crosby.

Agitators are no longer playing on the third lines, with little to no offensive skill. They are becoming an integral part of a top-six forward group. Kadri isn’t alone; Brad Marchand is an example of pest showing elite offensive skill. In his last two seasons combined, Marchand has put together 76 goals and 146 points.

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Kadri has the skill set to hit the 30 goal and 60 point marks on a consistent basis. He’s helping develop in a new role in the NHL, agitators can contribute more to the game than get under the opponents skin and creating powerplays as a result.

The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to have the best of both worlds in Kadri. They have a player who opponents will hate to play against and someone who will make them pay on the powerplay.