Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
According to NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun, the Calgary Flames will only trade Nazem Kadri if it works for him, which boosts Maple Leafs fans who hope for a reunion.
There’s been a lot of discussion recently regarding Calgary Flames veteran Kazem Kadri as the team is mired in a rough season thus far, and if they were to keep floundering, he could be on the move elsewhere.
He has no shortage of suitors and we’ve heard teams like Montreal and Ottawa who are both in the mix, and in regards to the Habs, they have enough assets to really twist GM Craig Conroy’s arm.
That’s a blow to the Maple Leafs fans who were hoping for a chance to reunite with Toronto’s prodigal son, as they don’t have much in the way of premium assets to lure him away.
Pierre LeBrun Sheds Light on Kadri’s Trade Situation and His Say in Where He Goes
Though they may not be completely hopeless.
According to NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun, who appeared on The Sick Podcast w/ Tony Marinaro on Oct. 29, the Calgary Flames know that a lot of the onus lands on Kadri to decide which is the best place for him.
While he has a no trade clause, the team is going to work with him to deal him to a team he wants to play for:
A lot of it comes down to ownership. A lot of it comes down to Nazem Kadri; even though he doesn’t have a full no move; they’re not gonna trade him to somewhere he doesn’t wanna go.
We’ve heard that Kadri has been very open to a reunion in the past and knowing that the old guard is out and the new one is in (including the GM who signed him in Calgary), they may be in luck.
Why Leafs Fans Believe a Toronto Reunion Isn’t as Unrealistic as It Sounds
From the looks of it, fans are still reeling from the trade even years later, and took to social media months ago to vent their frustrations, those same ones that continue to this day.
This past July, a Maple Leafs fan on X put out a poll where he asked if Leafs fans would welcome Kadri back to the team, and an astounding 86.1% said yes to bringing him in:
The Flames fans for what it’s worth also feel like Kadri should be moved, and with how things are this season that could be a reality:
Knowing how much the fans love him and want him back, the fact the old management in charge is long gone, and he has the chance to be the savior of his old team; that’s a very enticing proposition.
He’s also been picking up right where he left off last year, with nine points through the first 12 games (3 goals, 6 assists). The 34-year-old Kadri signed a seven-year, $49-million deal in 2022 after spending three seasons in Colorado.
While it might be a little hard to bring Nazem Kadri in given the lack of assets as mentioned above, not to mention his price tag, the Toronto Maple Leafs owe it to their fans to do whatever it takes to not only bring in a piece that will help them.
But one that’s beloved, and who probably should have never been dealt in the first place.
If there’s ever a time for Toronto to repent for their past mistakes, this might be it, and from the sounds of it — Kadri does too.
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