Nazem Kadri’s Departure from the Maple Leafs
Nazem Kadri’s exit from the Toronto Maple Leafs occurred six years ago when he was traded to the Colorado Avalanche. At that time, Kadri had an annual salary cap hit of $4.5 million, and with the arrival of superstar John Tavares in 2018, Kadri became viewed as a pricey option for the third-line position amid concerns over his inconsistent discipline in the playoffs—which contributed to his trade.
Success with the Avalanche and Flames
Since joining the Avalanche, Kadri played a pivotal role in securing the Stanley Cup victory in 2022 before signing with the Calgary Flames that same offseason. Now at 34, Kadri has emerged as an integral player for the Flames, demonstrating a more controlled style of play that hasn’t diminished his reputation for being an effective offensive contributor.
Rumors of a Return to Toronto
Despite his commitment to Calgary, rumors swirled around his potential departure last summer, to the point where Kadri had to clarify his commitment to the team, urging media to temper speculation regarding his status.
Recent reports from Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun reignited the conversation about a possible return to the Maple Leafs, especially after the team lost Mitch Marner, who was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights. The question remains whether Leafs’ General Manager Brad Treliving would entertain pursuing Kadri. Although Koshan noted that Kadri might be open to a return despite having a no-movement clause, there has been no formal request for a trade or waiver of that clause from Kadri.
Trade Considerations
The likelihood of a Kadri trade appears slim, considering he was the Flames’ top scorer last season, notching 35 goals and 67 points, making his role critical to Calgary’s ambitions this year. Should the Flames consider trading him, they would demand a significant return, likely including a promising young forward—an asset the Leafs currently lack.
Bowen Byram’s Trade Speculation
In another note, Bowen Byram of the Buffalo Sabres remains a topic of speculation. The young defenseman, at 24 years old and with arbitration rights, is generating interest as a potential trade candidate or an offer sheet target. Nonetheless, Sabres GM Kevyn Adams has expressed a firm stance that the team would match any offer for Byram.
Additionally, Mike Harrington from The Buffalo News pointed out that there’s still a chance of trade discussions proceeding, particularly since the Sabres recently need to fill the vacancy left by the trade of top-six right winger JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth. In correcting earlier reports, Harrington clarified that Byram is not a year away from unrestricted free agency but rather two years out.
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