The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a difficult stretch due to injuries affecting their forward group, and they may be considering a trade to bolster their lineup. One potential target is former Leafs star Nazem Kadri, now with the Calgary Flames. NHL analyst Doug MacLean revealed on Toronto’s FAN 590 radio that the Leafs have been “kicking tires” on a trade for Kadri, who is in the third year of his seven-year, $49 million deal with the Flames. MacLean emphasized that a player like Kadri would be crucial for playoff success against top teams like the Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, and New York Rangers. However, while the Flames may be open to trade talks due to their financial situation, Kadri’s hefty $7 million cap hit could make negotiations tricky.

The analyst also revisited Nazem Kadri’s departure from Toronto, which occurred when he was traded to the Colorado Avalanche, where he went on to win the Stanley Cup. Kadri had spent ten seasons with the Maple Leafs after being drafted seventh overall in the 2009 NHL Draft, earning fan-favorite status before his exit. “There’s still some animosity because of how Kadri left,” MacLean acknowledged. “But if you’re Brad Treliving and you hear the Leafs are interested, you at least take the call.”

Nazem Kadri remains a crucial player for the Calgary Flames but has struggled offensively this season, recording just one goal in his last 11 games and 10 points in 20 total games, along with a minus-11 rating. Despite his recent struggles, NHL analyst Doug MacLean believes Kadri could make a significant impact in the playoffs, saying, “If Toronto gets Kadri and they face Florida or other playoff teams, it’s going to be a different series.” However, it’s unclear how Kadri would fit into the Leafs’ lineup. He could potentially serve as a third-line center behind Auston Matthews and John Tavares or take on a second-line role with Tavares shifting down. The biggest hurdle for any trade would be finding a fair price for Kadri’s acquisition, especially considering Toronto’s tight salary cap situation.