2019: Nazem Kadri Gets Traded
After creating a ton of cap space with the Ottawa trade, Kyle Dubas wanted to add talent to the Maple Leafs. Unfortunately, he still needed to be mindful of the cap. Somehow, someway, he managed to pull off another blockbuster trade the same day as the Sens trade.
He looked toward the mountains of Denver in search of one of the best offensive defensemen in recent NHL history. He acquired Tyson Barrie, along with a defensive-minded Alex Kerfoot from the Colorado Avalanche. Dubas also snuck away with a 2020 sixth-rounder.
Heading to Ball Arena was a top-notch second-line center in Nazem Kadri, depth defenseman Calle Rosen, and a 2020 third-round pick. While some did not like the third-rounder involved, it was the cost of retaining 50 percent (the maximum) of Barrie’s contract to fit on the team.
Since being a 2009 first-round pick, Kadri quickly rose to a household name for Leafs fans. He racked up 338 points in 510 games since being an everyday starter in the shortened ’12-’13 season.
He was a perfect mix of grit, offensive skill, and passion. Unfortunately, his emotion resulted in suspensions. More notably missing eight playoff games in his last two seasons with Toronto.
Rosen was often an AHL/emergency call-up defenseman for the Leafs. He put up 46 points in 54 games during the ’18-’19 season but only played eight career NHL games. He would remain in the same role with the Avalanche before being traded back to Toronto to continue that role.
The third-round pick drafted Jean-Luc Foundy. He was successful in the OHL and split time between playing in the Division 1 HockeyEttan in Sweden and the Colorado Eagles, their AHL team this season.
Barrie notched 50+ points in three of his six seasons as a starter with the Avalanche. In his one season with the Leafs, his production dropped to 39, but the season was cut short to only 70 games. Regardless, his horrific defensive play made it an easy decision to let him walk in free agency.
Kerfoot emerged as a crucial part of the Toronto Maple Leafs defensively, taking over Kadri’s old spot on the third line. He did drop off from his 40+ point production in the mountains, but he hasn’t received a suspension in the playoffs, at least yet.
While stepping up on offense would be great, his defensive prowess makes up for it. He is relied on by head coach Sheldon Keefe as part of the shutdown third-line. The sixth-rounder drafted Joe Miller, who notched 18 points in 40 games in the USHL. He has at least a couple of years until NHL fans will hear his name.
It sucks Barrie did not work out in Toronto. He bounced right back in his first season with the Edmonton Oilers, suggesting it was the team rather than him that was the issue. He just did not fit in with the Leafs. Oh, and Kadri is playing at a 50+ point pace.
Kerfoot has been a pleasant player to watch, but Barrie dominating on the back end would have served the team better. I’m not complaining, considering the group of defenders Toronto has now, but all the Leafs have to show for the trade is Kerfoot, who wasn’t the “big fish.”
Also, Toronto saved $2.5 million against the cap. With that in mind, Dubas gets some extra points. Overall, it was a solid trade for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Grade: B
We hope you enjoyed this Canada Day recap. With no free-agency this year it’s a bit weird, but we can still get our fix on July 17th when Free Agency opens this year.