Once upon a time, the Toronto Maple Leafs were deep at centre. John Tavares led the top line with an up-and-coming Auston Matthews making a name for himself. Then, there was Nazem Kadri.
Kadri had been a solid player for the Toronto Maple Leafs during some of the team’s lean years. He became a key part of the team since the pre-Matthews era.
He played up and down the lineup, carving a role for himself in the middle six. However, kadri's immaturity cost him his spot on his hometown team when he was suspened for consecutive game sevens in back-to-back playoffs.
The Leafs sent Kadri packing to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Alex Kerfoot and Tyson Barrie. Things didn’t go well for Barrie in Toronto though he posted decent stats in his only season. Kefoot was a very successful player here for several years. Meanwhile, Kadri flourished. He had his best seasons in Colorado, winning a Stanley Cup in 2022.
Since signing with the Calgary Flames, Kadri has maintained solid production. Last season, Kadri notched 29 goals and 75 points in 82 games for the highly disappointing Flames.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. The Flames are staring at the abyss of a rebuild. Whether the Flames like to admit it or not, the club is headed toward a teardown.
If that’s indeed the case, why not kick the tires on Kadri? Kadri is older and much wiser. He wouldn’t be tasked with a significant leadership role. He could step in behind Auston Matthews and John Tavares and provide the Leafs with one of the better third-line centres in the league.
Kadri would get a shot at redemption in Toronto. While it’s not clear if that’s something he would be interested in, wouldn’t it be a fitting storyline to see Kadri hoist the Cup in Toronto?
What Would It Take to Get Nazem Kadri Back with the Toronto Maple Leafs
The Flames aren’t in much of a position to play hardball. The club has one of the worst contracts in Jonathan Huberdeau. The team has already sold off assets in Elias Lindholm, Jacob Markstrom, and Nikita Zadorov.
So, what’s stopping the Flames from dealing Kadri, who also has one of the NHL's worst contracts?
According to PuckPedia, Kadri is signed till 2029 with a $7 million cap hit when he will be 37. That deal is terrible, but it means Kadri would not cost much to acquire. The only real cost would be in paying Calgary to retain half the deal and make it workable. At $3.5 million Kadri still has a lot of value left, despite being 33.
A couple of mid-round picks could get the job done. At this point, the Flames must be thinking about the long-term benefit of stocking up on draft picks.
Unless Calgary thinks it has a realistic chance of competing for a playoff spot this season, the team could be willing to explore deals for everyone on the team’s roster.
As for the Toronto Maple Leafs, the time to go for it is now. With Tavares’ contract coming off the books next season, and perhaps not returning to the team, the Leafs will be looking for a second-line centre.
So, a reunion with an old acquaintance could be the answer to several burning questions.