Lucas Neilson: Nazem Kadri: ‘The Dream’ flourishing under Babcock Career Season

- Garnie

How dare the Leafs fans be excited for the up and coming season..

Lucas Neilson: Nazem Kadri: ‘The Dream’ flourishing under Babcock
Career Season
- Lucas.Neilson

I also said ( even thought I have not bee a Naz fan in the past ) This will be his best year to date.

On a hot, sweltering Toronto afternoon, I meet up with the Leafs 2009 top pick Nazem Kadri. This was the 2nd time I have met the young budding star and to say I was surprised is putting it mildly. The first time I met Nazem was September 2009, a scrawny young kid listed at 170lbs. I doubted he'd tip 165 in a wet suit when I first met him. This time around I was blown away. Maybe it was the heat, or maybe it was just the excitement of seeing this rising young star again at the beginning of his career. He had obviously started to fill out, and the results of all his hard work at the gym were more than evident. I bit my lip and thought to myself "Oh to be 19 again". What was once scrawny was now filled out and buff. Muscles rippled, pecs stood out, the face of the young lad had started to turn into that of a man. He sensed my shock when I saw him and greeted him.

"Wow", I say. "You're not how I remember"
Kadri giggles nervously and replies "Yeah, it's taken a lot of hard work".

I must have stared a moment too long because he seems to get nervous just then and suggests we move on and get the interview under way. I forget he's still a boy even though he's looking more and more like a man. I offer to buy him a smoothie from the Papaya Hut in downtown Toronto but he tells me he's on a strict diet. I grab my smoothie, and we leisurely stroll down Yonge St. and discuss his potential to make the Leafs this season.

Kadri is realistic about his chances this upcoming season and knows he has a tremendous opportunity if he works hard. He tells me it's been his dream since he was a kid to make the NHL and the opportunity presented by the Leafs is one he doesn't want to miss out on.

"We have a young core of players here in Toronto, the youngest in the league, I just hope I can show enough at camp to stick with the big club". Kadri has been penciled into the Leafs lineup by many observers but he knows it won't be that easy. "Last season was tough. I really thought I could stick in the NHL, but I realized later on that I still had a ways to go. I set out to improve myself and my game in hopes of making it this season"

The willingness and the ability to improve are two strong traits in this young man. After a slow start to the OHL season, Kadri picked up the pace to finish with 93 points in only 56 games and was named as a finalist for OHL player of the year. He continuted his strong play into the playoffs where he netted an incredible 27 points in only 12 games. These are stats that should get any Leafs fan excited about this young man's potential.

We briefly chat about his muslim upbringing and how he is being viewed as a potential role model in the league, a barrier smasher so to speak.
"I don't think about that stuff", replies Kadri, "I'm just me, I try to be the best I can be, if I inspire any other kids that's great, but I don't see myself as anything special in that regard".

I tell him he IS special, and he nervously accepts my compliment.

As we end the interview, I watch him walk away from me, I gaze and think about the future of this young star, this mere boy who is now filling out a man's body. The heat from the afternoon has coated Kadri's shirt in sweat, and I can easily make out the physique under his shirt. I still can't believe how much he's filled out, and I have to finally turn away as I bite my lip again.

I can't see into the future, but I predict great things for Kadri. Leafs fans should prepare themselves for success, with Kadri on a young Leafs team, the future is oh so bright.

McDavid sucks. WOW

Kadri scored more goals.

FALAFELLEDLOLOLOLOL

I also said ( even thought I have not bee a Naz fan in the past ) This will be his best year to date.
- bixll

He's come a long way. Good for him.

I'll admit it, I called him a bust at first, didn't like him or his attitude.

In the end, he turned into quite the effective player and is part of the Leafs future for years to come.

Signed a pretty good deal for a while too.

On a hot, sweltering Toronto afternoon, I meet up with the Leafs 2009 top pick Nazem Kadri. This was the 2nd time I have met the young budding star and to say I was surprised is putting it mildly. The first time I met Nazem was September 2009, a scrawny young kid listed at 170lbs. I doubted he'd tip 165 in a wet suit when I first met him. This time around I was blown away. Maybe it was the heat, or maybe it was just the excitement of seeing this rising young star again at the beginning of his career. He had obviously started to fill out, and the results of all his hard work at the gym were more than evident. I bit my lip and thought to myself "Oh to be 19 again". What was once scrawny was now filled out and buff. Muscles rippled, pecs stood out, the face of the young lad had started to turn into that of a man. He sensed my shock when I saw him and greeted him.

"Wow", I say. "You're not how I remember"
Kadri giggles nervously and replies "Yeah, it's taken a lot of hard work".

I must have stared a moment too long because he seems to get nervous just then and suggests we move on and get the interview under way. I forget he's still a boy even though he's looking more and more like a man. I offer to buy him a smoothie from the Papaya Hut in downtown Toronto but he tells me he's on a strict diet. I grab my smoothie, and we leisurely stroll down Yonge St. and discuss his potential to make the Leafs this season.

Kadri is realistic about his chances this upcoming season and knows he has a tremendous opportunity if he works hard. He tells me it's been his dream since he was a kid to make the NHL and the opportunity presented by the Leafs is one he doesn't want to miss out on.

"We have a young core of players here in Toronto, the youngest in the league, I just hope I can show enough at camp to stick with the big club". Kadri has been penciled into the Leafs lineup by many observers but he knows it won't be that easy. "Last season was tough. I really thought I could stick in the NHL, but I realized later on that I still had a ways to go. I set out to improve myself and my game in hopes of making it this season"

The willingness and the ability to improve are two strong traits in this young man. After a slow start to the OHL season, Kadri picked up the pace to finish with 93 points in only 56 games and was named as a finalist for OHL player of the year. He continuted his strong play into the playoffs where he netted an incredible 27 points in only 12 games. These are stats that should get any Leafs fan excited about this young man's potential.

We briefly chat about his muslim upbringing and how he is being viewed as a potential role model in the league, a barrier smasher so to speak.
"I don't think about that stuff", replies Kadri, "I'm just me, I try to be the best I can be, if I inspire any other kids that's great, but I don't see myself as anything special in that regard".

I tell him he IS special, and he nervously accepts my compliment.

As we end the interview, I watch him walk away from me, I gaze and think about the future of this young star, this mere boy who is now filling out a man's body. The heat from the afternoon has coated Kadri's shirt in sweat, and I can easily make out the physique under his shirt. I still can't believe how much he's filled out, and I have to finally turn away as I bite my lip again.

I can't see into the future, but I predict great things for Kadri. Leafs fans should prepare themselves for success, with Kadri on a young Leafs team, the future is oh so bright.
- AdamFrench

He's come a long way. Good for him.

I'll admit it, I called him a bust at first, didn't like him or his attitude.

In the end, he turned into quite the effective player and is part of the Leafs future for years to come.

Signed a pretty good deal for a while too.
- Scabeh

The Babcock affect.

Lucas Neilson: Nazem Kadri: ‘The Dream’ flourishing under Babcock
Career Season
- Lucas.Neilson

I agree Lucas, Kadri is flourishing under Babcock - the kick in the ass from Shanny didn't hurt his career too much either. Can't wait until OV gets another one of these and all the Capitals Jabronis chase him for the rest of the season.

And Simpson and Hughson crying about it made it even better.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-niswxxUip8

I want to see Kadri with a NAZty Beard

On a hot, sweltering Toronto afternoon, I meet up with the Leafs 2009 top pick Nazem Kadri. This was the 2nd time I have met the young budding star and to say I was surprised is putting it mildly. The first time I met Nazem was September 2009, a scrawny young kid listed at 170lbs. I doubted he'd tip 165 in a wet suit when I first met him. This time around I was blown away. Maybe it was the heat, or maybe it was just the excitement of seeing this rising young star again at the beginning of his career. He had obviously started to fill out, and the results of all his hard work at the gym were more than evident. I bit my lip and thought to myself "Oh to be 19 again". What was once scrawny was now filled out and buff. Muscles rippled, pecs stood out, the face of the young lad had started to turn into that of a man. He sensed my shock when I saw him and greeted him.

"Wow", I say. "You're not how I remember"
Kadri giggles nervously and replies "Yeah, it's taken a lot of hard work".

I must have stared a moment too long because he seems to get nervous just then and suggests we move on and get the interview under way. I forget he's still a boy even though he's looking more and more like a man. I offer to buy him a smoothie from the Papaya Hut in downtown Toronto but he tells me he's on a strict diet. I grab my smoothie, and we leisurely stroll down Yonge St. and discuss his potential to make the Leafs this season.

Kadri is realistic about his chances this upcoming season and knows he has a tremendous opportunity if he works hard. He tells me it's been his dream since he was a kid to make the NHL and the opportunity presented by the Leafs is one he doesn't want to miss out on.

"We have a young core of players here in Toronto, the youngest in the league, I just hope I can show enough at camp to stick with the big club". Kadri has been penciled into the Leafs lineup by many observers but he knows it won't be that easy. "Last season was tough. I really thought I could stick in the NHL, but I realized later on that I still had a ways to go. I set out to improve myself and my game in hopes of making it this season"

The willingness and the ability to improve are two strong traits in this young man. After a slow start to the OHL season, Kadri picked up the pace to finish with 93 points in only 56 games and was named as a finalist for OHL player of the year. He continuted his strong play into the playoffs where he netted an incredible 27 points in only 12 games. These are stats that should get any Leafs fan excited about this young man's potential.

We briefly chat about his muslim upbringing and how he is being viewed as a potential role model in the league, a barrier smasher so to speak.
"I don't think about that stuff", replies Kadri, "I'm just me, I try to be the best I can be, if I inspire any other kids that's great, but I don't see myself as anything special in that regard".

I tell him he IS special, and he nervously accepts my compliment.

As we end the interview, I watch him walk away from me, I gaze and think about the future of this young star, this mere boy who is now filling out a man's body. The heat from the afternoon has coated Kadri's shirt in sweat, and I can easily make out the physique under his shirt. I still can't believe how much he's filled out, and I have to finally turn away as I bite my lip again.

I can't see into the future, but I predict great things for Kadri. Leafs fans should prepare themselves for success, with Kadri on a young Leafs team, the future is oh so bright.
- AdamFrench

Copyright infringement?

Umm what is with "the dream"? Is this your own personal name for Kadri? If so.
Love is love...no one judges.

Whats the over/under on line up post per day here until the season starts? 5?

Lou, sign Nylander before the season starts...I have a feeling this kid may be knocking on 70pts this year.

Marleau has been pretty healthy the past 4 years...does this mean once he puts on the leafs jersey, he gets injured in the first 20 games?

I think Andersen will be a wall this season. I have a good feeling about him.

Umm what is with "the dream"? Is this your own personal name for Kadri? If so.
Love is love...no one judges.

Whats the over/under on line up post per day here until the season starts? 5?

Lou, sign Nylander before the season starts...I have a feeling this kid may be knocking on 70pts this year.

Marleau has been pretty healthy the past 4 years...does this mean once he puts on the leafs jersey, he gets injured in the first 20 games?

I think Andersen will be a wall this season. I have a good feeling about him.

- Fakepartofme

I refuse to be overly confident.

I am of the state of mind that we are missing the playoffs.

It will be interesting to see where Kadri plays this season, and who his line mates will be.

I suspect he will start as 3rd line center between Hyman and Brown but does he stay there if/when Bozak is traded? The second line center role will be a toss up between Nylander moving over, or Kadri moving up.

If Kadri ends up as second line center between JVR and Marner early in the season, his numbers will go up significantly.

I refuse to be overly confident.

I am of the state of mind that we are missing the playoffs.
- Bigzby

While I'd be happy to say I agree with you Bigzby.

I think your team makes the playoffs buddy.

While I'd be happy to say I agree with you Bigzby.

I think your team makes the playoffs buddy.
- Scabeh

Good things happen to us once a decade.

Cant even wait til 2026.

He's come a long way. Good for him.

I'll admit it, I called him a bust at first, didn't like him or his attitude.

In the end, he turned into quite the effective player and is part of the Leafs future for years to come.

Signed a pretty good deal for a while too.
- Scabeh

A bust?
I was a big fan of Kadri while in London and his first year as a leaf. Then the diving and whining started...I was no longer a fan. But I never once thought he would be bust. When he was drafted, I was expecting him to be a good 2nd liner, I know most on here were hoping for a 1st line player...but a good 2nd liner is all I expected. Which is what he turned out to be. He's matured and had a great year last season, I dont expect 30 goals this season, but most likely the same total points.
Good draft pick, good deal, good player (quit diving).....happy for him and the leafs.
Lets get the season going.

I refuse to be overly confident.

I am of the state of mind that we are missing the playoffs.
- Bigzby

Im not overly confident at this point either. Its been one season where they just squeaked into the playoffs.
However, most elite players rarely have a sophomore slump...so I really dont expect our 3 kids to have set backs this year...unless injured.
Marleau...who knows about...its a wait and see...but his leadership and talent should help the kids.
I expect more injuries this year than last...but I do believe this is a playoff team.

A bust?
I was a big fan of Kadri while in London and his first year as a leaf. Then the diving and whining started...I was no longer a fan. But I never once thought he would be bust. When he was drafted, I was expecting him to be a good 2nd liner, I know most on here were hoping for a 1st line player...but a good 2nd liner is all I expected. Which is what he turned out to be. He's matured and had a great year last season, I dont expect 30 goals this season, but most likely the same total points.
Good draft pick, good deal, good player (quit diving).....happy for him and the leafs.
Lets get the season going.
- Fakepartofme

Kadri > McDavid

Nazem Kadri wears pantyhose.

A bust?
I was a big fan of Kadri while in London and his first year as a leaf. Then the diving and whining started...I was no longer a fan. But I never once thought he would be bust. When he was drafted, I was expecting him to be a good 2nd liner, I know most on here were hoping for a 1st line player...but a good 2nd liner is all I expected. Which is what he turned out to be. He's matured and had a great year last season, I dont expect 30 goals this season, but most likely the same total points.
Good draft pick, good deal, good player (quit diving).....happy for him and the leafs.
Lets get the season going.
- Fakepartofme

His first few seasons, and the way the Leafs handled his development... I didn't have high hopes for him.

I was wrong obviously. It happens. Alot.

I agree Lucas, Kadri is flourishing under Babcock - the kick in the ass from Shanny didn't hurt his career too much either. Can't wait until OV gets another one of these and all the Capitals Jabronis chase him for the rest of the season.

And Simpson and Hughson crying about it made it even better.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-niswxxUip8
- winsix

Fack simpson and Hughson.
I cannot believe those tools are still doing leaf broadcast. Can someone not start a social media thing advocating these two be removed from leaf broadcast?

Im not overly confident at this point either. Its been one season where they just squeaked into the playoffs.
However, most elite players rarely have a sophomore slump...so I really dont expect our 3 kids to have set backs this year...unless injured.
Marleau...who knows about...its a wait and see...but his leadership and talent should help the kids.
I expect more injuries this year than last...but I do believe this is a playoff team.
- Fakepartofme

Yeah, it would be surprising to see the Leafs remain as healthy as last year.