The elements or on-ice intangibles that are always brought up when discussing the needs of the Maple Leafs heading into the playoffs are grit and tenacity. A name that has resurfaced over the last 2 seasons is former Maple Leaf Nazem Kadri, but it's going to be tough to pull him out of Calgary.
Former Calgary Flames GM and current Maple Leafs' architect Brad Treliving has had some difficulties bargaining with his old team. It seems like he has tried to bring in a few of his ex-players but his former organization appears to want no part in dealing him.
However, if it is at all possible, Doug MacLean believes that the key to the Leafs' future success may revolve around Kadri:
Kadri spent the first 10 seasons of his career in Toronto, where he tallied 161 goals and 357 points but also had a few controversial plays in the playoffs that essentially directly led to his departure.
Since leaving, he's won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche, established himself as a top-tier free agent and earned a massive contract, and has put up 116 goals and 296 points in 362 games over the last 5-plus seasons.
The Flames are in the midst of a rebuild under Craig Conroy, but as Nick Kypreos mentioned, the Maple Leafs weren't even able to land Chis Tanev from Calgary last year when he was actively being shopped, so what are the chances that things have changed since?
While it could be a pipe dream to have Auston Matthews, John Tavares, and Kadri as your top-3 centermen, MacLean did mention that he has heard rumours about the Leafs kicking tires and trying to get this deal done.
It's certainly going to take a lot of work when factoring the animosity that could still exist between Calgary and Treliving, as well as Kadri's current contract, but he's certainly a piece that could push them over the top when they go head-to-head with teams like Florida or New York in the post-season.
POLL | ||
23 NOVEMBRE | 3570 ANSWERS Former NHL GM Confirms Maple Leafs Actually Kicking Tires on Nazem Kadri Trade Would you be interested in the Maple Leafs re-acquiring Nazem Kadri? | ||
Absolutely, yes | 2429 | 68 % |
No, not at all | 1141 | 32 % |
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