C Nazem Kadri
The rumors on the potential reunion with former Leaf Nazem Kadri had already started earlier in the season when the Calgary Flames stumbled out of the gate while the Leafs ran into injury troubles that affected their depth at center.
Now more than halfway through the 2024-25 NHL season, the Flames currently still remain outside of the playoff picture, trailing the Canucks by three points for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. They are also currently amidst a three-game losing streak as well.
If the Flames manage to fall any further, it may force them to rethink and change their stance from being buyers to sellers at the trade deadline.
Kadri and his 19 goals and 21 assists for 40 points to date currently ranks him second on the Flames, just one point behind leader Jonathan Huberdeau.
As a former fan favourite, Kadri would be the ideal third-line center that the Leafs are desperately seeking. On top of that, he should be totally motivated in seeking the opportunity to make up for his misjudgments in his previous tenure with the club that caused him to be suspended twice during the Maple Leafs playoff runs.
Kadri is the same age as John Tavares but he's signed for four more seasons after this at $7 million per year. He's a good player but his best days are behind him. He'd be an upgrade, but it's hard to see the Leafs doing the roster gymnastics requried to fit him in even if he was 50% retained.
It doesn't appear likely that a reunion is in the cards.