Nazem Kadri has been heavily linked to a reunion with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Kadri was drafted by the Maple Leafs in 2009 and spent parts of 10 seasons in Toronto. However, after taking some penalties which resulted in suspensions during the playoffs, the Maple Leafs traded him to the Colorado Avalanche, where he won the Stanley Cup in 2022.
Since leaving, many Maple Leafs fans have wanted him back. Over the past year, trade rumors of Kadri going back to Toronto have intensified, and the star player says it has even caught his attention.
“Unless I live in a box, I think I would hear it,” Kadri said on The Knight Shift.. “I’ve certainly heard lots of speculation for sure. It’s happened quite often. Over the last couple of months, so it’s a bit bizarre just scrolling around and seeing your face and name pop up. Obviously, the rumor mill is pretty strong, especially around these parts, and a lot of the time, these rumors can catch fire, and that fire turns into bigger fires.”
When asked what he thinks about the rumors, Kadri didn’t shy away from it, as he says people should talk about it, as that is what makes sports fun.
“You know what? And why not? I mean, there’s not a whole lot in terms of sports going on right now,” Kadri added. “I think it’s definitely a topic to talk about, and hey, why not talk about it?”
Although Kadri is open to talking about the rumors, it’s unlikely that the Calgary Flames have any interest in even trading him.
Kadri has four years left on his seven-year, $49 million deal with the Flames.
Flames GM Addresses Trade Rumors Surrounding Kadri
Calgary is looking to make the playoffs next season, so trading Kadri would be odd for the Flames.
With that, Flames general manager Craig Conroy opened up on the rumors and said Kadri will remain in Calgary.
“Right now, he’s totally fine with playing for the Calgary Flames. That was the last conversation. And he’s always said that he’s a Calgary Flame,” Conroy said. “When he comes back in September, he’ll say the same thing to you guys, ‘I love it here, l’m a Calgary Flame.’
“It’s all the speculation. And hey, everybody has a job, everybody has to do it, but until something is done, nothing is done,” Conroy added. “You have seen guys that maybe you think weren’t going to re-sign with their team, and they did re-sign with their team. It happens.”
Kadri recorded 35 goals and 32 assists for 67 points in 82 games last season with the Flames.
Maple Leafs Looking to Add Another Top Player
Toronto has had an active offseason, seeing Mitch Marner leave, but added the likes of Mattias Maccelli and Nic Roy.
Yet, Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving said the goal is to add another top-six forward.
“Mitch was a top-six forward, and we haven’t replaced that hole,” Treliving said. “That’s really where our focus is.”
Kadri would be a perfect top-six forward who would also add some physicality to the Maple Leafs’ lineup.
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