Nazem Kadri’s time in Toronto didn’t conclude positively, and in a recent podcast, he indicated he would be willing to return to the Leafs.
Kadri has just published his book, “Dreamer: Life on the Edge,” which outlines his life, hockey journey, and the challenges he and his family have faced to help him succeed in the NHL. The book includes some fascinating and controversial insights from his time in Toronto, particularly regarding the conflict between former coach Mike Babcock and Mitch Marner. It also discusses how he was taken by surprise when he was traded to the Colorado Avalanche following a second consecutive playoff suspension.
Interestingly, it wasn’t just Leafs fans who were surprised when Kadri, along with Calle Rosen and a 2020 third-round pick, was traded to Colorado for Tyson Barrie, Alexander Kerfoot, and a 2020 sixth-round pick. The revelations in Kadri’s book provided context to his comments after winning the Stanley Cup, where he threw some notable criticism at the Leafs, Brendan Shanahan, and Kyle Dubas.
“For everyone who thought I was a liability in the playoffs can kiss my a**,” Kadri said during his post-game interview with David Amber after the Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup win.
On the October 25th episode of “The Leaf Report,” Kadri joined James Mirtle and Jonas Siegel as a special guest. When asked about the possibility of returning to the Leafs, given how his time there ended, he offered a hopeful response for Leafs fans.
“I mean, who knows? I wouldn’t rule it out,” he stated. “Everyone knows how I feel about the city and the team, and I have many friends there, so it’s not something I’d close the door on.”
At 34 years old, Kadri is in the third year of a seven-year contract he signed with the Flames in the summer of 2022 after winning the Stanley Cup with Colorado. With a $7 million cap hit, and a contract that lasts until he is 37, Kadri might need to wait until it expires for a potential return to the Leafs, unless Flames GM Craig Conroy is willing to absorb some salary or Leafs GM Brad Treliving can maneuver to create space for Kadri’s contract.
A fan favorite during his tenure in Toronto, Kadri is still cherished for his gritty playing style, even if some attribute playoff series losses to him. In 11 games with the Flames this season, he has recorded 6 points and 18 penalty minutes. Over 914 career games, he has scored 276 goals and accumulated 649 points with the Leafs, Flames, and Avalanche.