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Jay> Righting a Wrong: Can the Leafs Afford a Nazem Kadri Reunion? |
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Righting a Wrong: Can the Leafs Afford a Nazem Kadri Reunion?
In retrospect, one of the biggest mistakes of the Kyle Dubas era was the decision to trade Nazem Kadri. After consecutive playoff suspensions, the team felt compelled to hold Kadri accountable, shipping him to the Colorado Avalanche where he ultimately won a Stanley Cup. Now, it appears Kadri might have a chance to come full circle with a potential return to the Maple Leafs.
With unsubstantiated rumours circulating on social media, Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun has finally added some credibility to the reports. According to Koshan, despite being happy in Calgary, Kadri would waive the trade protection in his contract to approve a trade to Toronto. Kadri himself has shared in the past how hurt he was when he was forced out of the city.
The question now swirling is: why does this deal make sense?
For the Leafs, the logic is clear. They are in desperate need of a top-six forward and a legitimate second-line centre, a role Kadri would fill perfectly. For the Flames, who are likely to finish near the bottom of the league standings, a player like Kadri probably adds a few too many points to their total. In a season where the Flames should be chasing the best odds to draft a talent like Gavin McKenna, moving Kadri could go a long way.
So, why doesn't it make sense?
For Calgary, unless Toronto is willing to move a top-tier prospect like Easton Cowan or another significant asset, the deal likely doesn't move the needle. Unless they deem moving Kadri is simply addition by subtraction for their draft lottery chances, the two teams don't appear to be ideal trade partners.
For Toronto, the cost is a major hurdle. Beyond their top prospects, they have limited assets to offer that wouldn't weaken the current roster. Moving a key defenseman, for example, would immediately weaken the team's overall defence. In a season where goals may be hard to come by, the Leafs need to reduce goals against, not trade away players who can help achieve that.
Furthermore, Kadri is only a year younger than John Tavares, whom the Leafs' management seems to feel can no longer handle the second-line centre role. While it would be a storybook ending to see Kadri return, the cost is likely prohibitive. With so much draft capital already gone, the Leafs must be judicious with their remaining picks.
When it's all said and done, I personally don't see a path for this trade to work, but stranger things have happened. If Kadri ends up back in the blue and white, I'll cheer him on proudly. If he remains in Calgary, he'll always be one of my favourite Leafs for the way he played the game. The Leafs, however, cannot let a great story dictate their roster moves; they must make business decisions, not emotional ones.
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