TSN Hockey Analyst Darren Dreger Shatters the Dreams of Leafs Nation After Latest Report
Photo credit: DAVID KIROUAC-USA TODAY SPORTS
Darren Dreger's latest report has shattered the dreams of Maple Leafs fans, suggesting that a return of a fan favourite to Toronto is highly unlikely.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have begun the season in underwhelming fashion, starting 4-4-1. To put that record in perspective -- if the playoffs began today, the Leafs would find themselves on the outside looking in.
It's clear that something is missing from this team, particularly within the forward group, which has struggled to generate consistent offence early on.
Return to Toronto for Nazem Kadri in the Cards?
One player who has long been linked to a potential return to Toronto is Nazem Kadri.
Kadri embodies the Craig Berube style of hockey -- physical, defensively responsible, gritty in the dirty areas, and able to contribute offensively.
He's also remains active within the Toronto community, frequently attending charity events and staying connected to the city that drafted him.
However, as much as Leafs fans would love to see Kadri back in the blue and white, TSN's Darren Dreger poured cold water on those hopes, setting the record straight during a recent appearance on OverDrive 1050.
"A return to Toronto is a longshot."
To make matters worse for Leafs Nation, Dreger also suggested that Toronto's rival, the Montreal Canadiens, could be a potential future destination for Kadri:
"They are entering that world where they would be a team that a guy like Kadri would be willing to go to at some point."
Kadri's Performance Post-Maple Leafs Has Been Impressive
Nazem Kadri played ten seasons for the Toronto Maple Leafs (2009-2019), cementing his place in the hearts of many fans for his energy, emotion, and dedication to the city.
However, his most impressive accomplishments came after leaving Toronto.
In the 2021-22 season, Kadri exploded for a career-high 87 points with the Colorado Avalanche and played a pivotal role in their Stanley Cup championship run -- the first of his career.
Now with the Calgary Flames, Kadri has continued to perform well, posting seven points in ten games to start the season.
Despite the Flames' disappointing 2-7-1 record, Kadri's strong play makes it increasingly unlikely the team would consider moving him.
What's Next for the Maple Leafs
While a Kadri reunion appears to be off the table, one thing is certain -- the Maple Leafs need change within their forward group.
With the offensive capabilities of the Maple Leafs remaining star players, Toronto hopes it can find solutions internally rather than relying on a trade.
Still, if the offensive struggles continue, general manager Brad Treliving may have to explore outside options to spark the Leafs in rather thin forward market.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 28 | 557 ANSWERS TSN Hockey Analyst Darren Dreger Shatters the Dreams of Leafs Nation After Latest Report Will Nazem Kadri ever be a Toronto Maple Leaf again in his career? | ||
| Yes | 159 | 28.5 % |
| No | 398 | 71.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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