Mock Trade Suggests Nazem Kadri’s Return to Toronto
Nazem Kadri, a forward for the Calgary Flames, is reportedly part of trade discussions, with one proposal suggesting his return to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the team that initially drafted him.
Kadri, who signed a seven-year, $49 million contract with Calgary on August 18, 2022, still has three years left on his deal. Despite this, Calgary’s rebuilding phase could see Kadri traded to acquire assets to expedite their process.
The website PuckPedia has introduced a new tool, PuckGM, which allows users to create their own trade scenarios. One user proposed a trade that involves Kadri returning to the Maple Leafs.
Trade Proposal:
Maple Leafs Receive:
– Nazem Kadri (with $3.5 million salary retained)
– 2025 fifth-round pick
– 2026 sixth-round pick
Flames Receive:
– David Kampf
– Nick Robertson
– Ryan Reaves
– 2025 second-round pick
This trade, involving three players and three draft picks, appears logical on paper. Kadri would provide the Maple Leafs with additional depth in their forward lineup and has a playoff-compatible playing style, highlighted by his key role in the Colorado Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup victory.
Conversely, the Flames would absorb Kampf and Reaves’ contracts, each with two years remaining, to make the salary cap work for Toronto to take on Kadri’s contract. The significant part of the package for Calgary is Nick Robertson and the second-round pick.
Robertson, a restricted free agent, has requested a trade from Toronto due to limited opportunities, despite being 22 years old.
Kadri’s No-Movement Clause
Kadri holds a no-movement clause, meaning he must approve any trade. On June 28, NHL insider Darren Dreger reported that Kadri enjoys Calgary and is considered a core part of their team.
Darren Dreger
@DarrenDreger
“Teams are calling the Flames with interest in Nazem Kadri, however Calgary isn’t in a full tear down. They’re trying to reset their roster and Kadri is a big part of that. He also has a No Move and likes Calgary.”
2:28 pm · 28 Jun 2024
Despite this, NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period indicated that Kadri might waive his no-movement clause under the right circumstances.
David Pagnotta
“My understanding with respect to (Kadri) is that he’s willing to waive (the no-move clause) for the right situation. I think he would welcome a return to Colorado.”
Last season, Kadri scored 29 goals and 46 assists, totaling 75 points in 82 games.
Kadri’s Tenure with the Maple Leafs
Drafted seventh overall by Toronto in the 2009 NHL draft, Kadri debuted in the NHL on February 8, 2010, spending the next three seasons between the NHL and AHL. Kadri became a full-time NHL player in the 2013-14 season, playing parts of ten seasons with the Maple Leafs. Following playoff penalties and suspensions, Toronto traded him to Colorado on July 1, 2019, alongside Calle Rosen and a 2020 third-round pick, in exchange for Tyson Barrie, Alexander Kerfoot, and a 2020 sixth-round pick.
During his time with the Maple Leafs, Kadri recorded 161 goals and 196 assists for 357 points in 561 regular-season games and added 3 goals and 7 assists for 10 points in 19 playoff games.