Toronto Maple Leafs: Nazem Kadri on the Trade Radar

The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly receiving trade offers for several players amidst their impending salary cap crunch.

With just $8.79 million of cap space to work with according to Cap Friendly, and RFAs in Mitch Marner, Kasperi Kapanen, and Andreas Johnsson awaiting new contracts, roster changes appear imminent if Toronto hopes to retain them. Other positions will need to be filled as several UFAs are expected to depart as well.

In other words, there’s very little leeway to reinforce the Toronto Maple Leafs’ roster after a third consecutive first-round playoff exit.

Kyle Dubas let it be known that he’ll explore options to grant Nikita Zaitsev and his $4.5 million cap hit a “fresh start” in another city after requesting a trade. Toronto’s general manager is also tasked with managing Patrick Marleau’s $6.25 million contract within the equation, although he may be on the move as well.

Among the names swirling in rumours, however, Nazem Kadri appears to be the most prominent considering his role on the team. But would trading Kadri improve the team’s longevity?

Third line centres, especially those with controllable $4.5 million cap hits, aren’t in abundance around the league. Playoff teams without solidified third line centres often seek them via trade at the deadline, at the expense of draft picks or prospects—sometimes both.

Based on average ice time comparables, Kadri’s 73 game average of 16:11 per-game is in line with fellow third options in Boone Jenner (17:04), Tyler Bozak (16:21), Nick Bonino (16:18), and Cody Eakin (15:23) in 2018-19. There are minor discrepancies, but all of them were playoff bound this season, had similar point production, and are reasonably cost comparable.

He may have had a down year with 16 goals and 44 points, but he’s shown the ability to produce at an above-average level and that may be too early to overlook. His power-play skill is also an asset.

There’s an argument to be made that Toronto should rely more heavily on both Auston Matthews and John Tavares’ respective lines, thus lessening the importance of their third option. But over the course of an 82-game schedule and entering a playoff run, quality depth becomes much more critical.

Beyond Kadri, the Toronto Maple Leafs lack serviceable organizational depth. After shipping out Par Lindholm last season, Toronto was left with depleted options at centre which proved to be costly. Although, there’s another reason William Nylander was forced to play down the middle versus Boston in April.

Kadri is a repeat offender in the eyes of NHL Department of Player Safety and earned himself a costly playoff suspension for the second straight year. Without excusing his actions, Kadri’s value to the team remains high.

In the American Hockey League, the Toronto Marlies have several centres but none appear ready to slot in beyond a fourth line role with the Maple Leafs. In the event of an injury, veteran Chris Mueller and recently converted centre Pierre Engvall remain stopgap options but are less than ideal.

A scenario exists where Toronto deals Kadri for an upgrade on defence and subsequently clear enough cap space to sign a replacement, either through free agency or trade, but it is a long shot. With three years left on a modest deal, Kadri isn’t likely to be a trade candidate until further depth at the centre position is acquired or a comparable swap presents itself.

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