With summer trades underway, the Calgary Flames officially placed former Toronto Maple Leaf forward Nazem Kadri on the trade market.
Nazem Kadri headed into the NHL looking like a true force to be reckoned with. When the 2009 NHL Draft hit just over 15 years ago, he was taken 7th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“15 years ago today, the Leafs drafted Nazem Kadri seventh overall #Leafs365 #LeafsForever”
After a decade with the team and only one full season played, Toronto felt Kadri had more value in a trade deal. The Toronto Maple Leafs then traded him to the Colorado Avalanche for defenseman Tyson Barrie.
“#TradeCentre ALERT: @MapleLeafs and @Avalanche complete a deal that sends D Tyson Barrie to Toronto and F Nazem Kadri to Colorado…”
Yet, after a Stanley Cup win with the Avs, he had to move to another team. Kadri joined the Calgary Flames only three years after vetoing a trade that would have occurred in 2019.
“Nazem Kadri in his @PlayersTribune article confirms that he did indeed Veto a trade to Calgary in 2019. Said it didn’t have anything to do with the Flames or the city but the fact that he wanted to stay in Toronto. #Flames”
According to David Pagotta of the Fourth Period, Calgary is officially looking to explore the trade market for this 33-year-old forward.
“Nothing is imminent, and he has a full NMC, but word out there suggests the #Flames are exploring trade market on Nazem Kadri.”
Nazem Kadri hints at a return to the Maple Leafs
Though no official trade has been released regarding Nazem Kadri, the forward has left fans a clue as to his next home in the NHL. According to his bio on Instagram, the 33-year-old forward could finally be making his return to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“Nazem Kadri’s Instagram Bio is all you need to know. #LeafsForever
Calgary ✈️ Toronto”
With a full no-move clause, finding a deal that would work for the veteran forward may have been difficult. Yet, with 29 goals and 46 assists in the 2023-24 regular season, he may bring some value to Calgary’s table and certainly would have a place back with his original NHL home in Toronto.
