Maple Leafs Need to Act Fast to Avoid Losing Top Trade Target to Heated Division Rival

While the Toronto Maple Leafs have been heavily linked to Nazem Kadri this summer in an attempt to shore their top-6, competition for his services are expected to heat up with the Montreal Canadiens now being tabbed as a potential destination as well.

Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos essentially tabbed the Kadri sweepstakes as a two-horse race, indicating that the 34-year-old forward would only be willing to waive his no-movement clause for Montreal or Toronto.

The Flames were set to be in the midst of a rebuild entering the 2024-25 season, but fell just short of making the playoffs as they lost out on a tiebreaker to the St. Louis Blues.

They haven't made moves this summer to suggest they've gone against the grain and Kadri and Rasmus Andersson continue to gain traction on the rumour mill.

If the Maple Leafs are serious about trading for Kadri, they will need to act fast with Montreal now on their tail. What will work against them in this scenario is that the Canadiens have far more to offer in terms of draft picks and prospects.

However, something that should give the Leafs a little bit of time to take care of their own affairs is that Kadri owns a full no-movement clause. Therefore, he has the ability to force his way to his preferred destination.

While the Leafs might finally have the cap space to make it work, unless they're willing to part ways with one of their top prospects, they might be fresh out of luck.

Trading a blue chip prospect for Kadri is a steep price to pay, but he's been sensational over the last 4 seasons and would give the Leafs almost everything they're looking for in a top-6 forward.