Rumors about Nazem Kadri returning to the Toronto Maple Leafs don't want to stop
The rumors of Nazem Kadri's potential return to the Toronto Maple Leafs have been circulating and fueled by his recent comments.
On a podcast promoting his book "Dreamer: My Life on the Edge," Nazem Kadri expressed his appreciation for Toronto which is where he spent ten years before being traded to Colorado in 2019. He didn't close the door on a return to the Leafs and that sparked speculation about whether it could be as a player or in another capacity.
Currently with the Calgary Flames, Kadri has a $7 million cap hit for four more seasons and making a trade would be difficult unless salary is retained. The Flames are performing better than expected, so Kadri is unlikely to be moved unless Calgary falls out of playoff contention in the near future. If the team struggles by the trade deadline, Toronto might explore bringing him back, especially if they seek an experienced center for a playoff push.
Nazem Kadri could be a fit as a third-line center and potentially stepping up if Auston Matthews is injured, but his age and contract length raise concerns. Leafs fans have mixed feelings because some see him as the missing piece for a deep playoff run by the Leafs while others worry about the financial and roster implications.
The idea of reacquiring Kadri is appealing for nostalgic reasons but the cap situation is tight and any move would likely require creative move by the Leafs GM.
While Nazem Kadri return would be nice for many, it isn't very easy because of his contract with Calgary and the Flames' current playoff hopes. A trade might become realistic only if Calgary's season falters, and maybe then Toronto would need to find a way to make the financials work, possibly by involving a third team to retain part of Kadri's salary.
Source: Editor In Leafs
That Nazem Kadri rumour that just won't go away
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 12 | 116 ANSWERS Rumors about Nazem Kadri returning to the Toronto Maple Leafs don't want to stop Do you think Nazem Kadri will return with the Leafs someday? | ||
| Yes | 52 | 44.8 % |
| No | 64 | 55.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
