Speculation: Kadri open to a return to Toronto

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

Even if Calgary wanted to send him to Toronto, and Toronto wanted to take him I don't see how the money works.

Unless either A Leafs get double retention on Kadri and made Kampf part of the deal.

Or B Calgary retains 50% on Kadri and BOTH Kampf and Reaves were part of the deal.


And that's just to make the money work, that doesn't include the actual return.

A Domi-Kadri-McMann 3rd line would be amazing but neither scenario required to make it happen is going to happen It's just not.

 

[StuckOutHere]

It could work next year with Kadri basically being a replacement for Tavares aka a draft day deal.

 

[seanlinden]

and the leafs can not take on his 7mill contract through to 2029

To be fair, they probably can, at least next year.

If Tavares goes, they'll probably be fully in on the Sam Bennett market, and he'll be getting $7m+ on the open market, and it'll be for more years than Kadri has remaining.

His contract isn't even bad today, it's just got problematic long term risk. There's also the challenge if attempting to do a deal during the season, there's no real way to clear the requisite cap space, unless one of their big 5 players ends up on LTIR and they pull a Mark Stone, or lost two mid-priced players to LTIR.

I might argue, that trading for Kadri, assuming minimal asset cost, might be a better alternative than signing Sam Bennett, simply because Kadri is better cast as a 2nd line centre (more offensive output), and if you believe in Fraser Minten as a solid NHL shutdown centre, you'd want the #2C to have some offensive output, given that Matthews often gets used in defensive matchups as well.

 

[TS Quint]

IIRC He didn't want to leave, correct?

So why would he be adverse to returning?

Because when he left the Leafs they treated him like he was the one and only problem with the team (like so many others). Then he basically flips the bird to them when he won the Cup.


“For everyone that thought I was a liability in the playoffs you can kiss my ass.” Kadri told Sportsnet’s David Amber and Elliotte Friedman.

He's talking to the Leafs and their fans here.


Just because he is giving the politically correct answer here doesn't mean he want s to go back.

 

[Pure Slaughter Value]

Because when he left the Leafs they treated him like he was the one and only problem with the team (like so many others). Then he basically flips the bird to them when he won the Cup.


“For everyone that thought I was a liability in the playoffs you can kiss my ass.” Kadri told Sportsnet’s David Amber and Elliotte Friedman.

He's talking to the Leafs and their fans here.


Just because he is giving the politically correct answer here doesn't mean he want s to go back.

Understood

The bold is awesome though. It's not quite Hot Dogs in the Cup Kessel-style but still awesome.

 

[TheBeastCoast]

Because when he left the Leafs they treated him like he was the one and only problem with the team (like so many others). Then he basically flips the bird to them when he won the Cup.


“For everyone that thought I was a liability in the playoffs you can kiss my ass.” Kadri told Sportsnet’s David Amber and Elliotte Friedman.

He's talking to the Leafs and their fans here.


Just because he is giving the politically correct answer here doesn't mean he want s to go back.

I mean he wasn't forced to say he would be okay with going back to Toronto lmao he could have just said anything else. But sure just assume he is lying and actually hates Toronto and the fans. Seems like a super reasonable thing to do.

 

[kp61c]

his contract is atrocious, but that's nothing new for toronto, i guess

 

[kevsh]

I'd honestly rather re-sign Tavares to a 3-year deal at sub-$7M than bring Kadri back. And I'm a fan of Kadri.

Tavares has more utility (elite on the draw for one) and right now they're both producing about the same amount of offense. Bird in the hand and all that.

Btw, this is not an endorsement to bring JT back on any deal, just comparing the options.

 

[Mobiandi]

I’m also open to Kadri returning to Toronto

 

[TS Quint]

I mean he wasn't forced to say he would be okay with going back to Toronto lmao he could have just said anything else. But sure just assume he is lying and actually hates Toronto and the fans. Seems like a super reasonable thing to do.

There are consequences to saying I don't want to go back because of how he was treated. It becomes a circus real quick.

 

[TheBeastCoast]

There are consequences to saying I don't want to go back because of how he was treated. It becomes a circus real quick.

There is an option in between out right saying he does or doesn't want to go back to Toronto....how do you not realize this? Hockey players are top tier non answer givers. His answer doesn't make it any more likely he ever plays in Toronto again...but you taking him saying he would like to play in Toronto again as him just lying is wild lol

 

[Chainshot]

When he retires and they hire him as a regional scout, the author will do a victory lap on his "some capacity" line.

 

[MoneyManny]

He’s 34 with 4 years left. The concern isn’t if he’s worth his contract right now

Right now is when the Leafs have to win. They're not trying to get the "best projected cap structure in 4 years" trophy.

 

[JPT]

I mean he wasn't forced to say he would be okay with going back to Toronto lmao he could have just said anything else. But sure just assume he is lying and actually hates Toronto and the fans. Seems like a super reasonable thing to do.

Saying he's ok with going back to Toronto is still, in and of itself, a complete non-story just meant to get clicks.

 

[TS Quint]

There is an option in between out right saying he does or doesn't want to go back to Toronto....how do you not realize this? Hockey players are top tier non answer givers. His answer doesn't make it any more likely he ever plays in Toronto again...but you taking him saying he would like to play in Toronto again as him just lying is wild lol

Sure, I suppose he could have gave an infinite number of answers. You are having a very strange reaction.

He already told the Leafs and their fans where to go after winning the Cup. That's his honest answer, that honestly how he feels.

He gave a simple easy answer. Now he doesn't have to talk about it again because it's not in his control. That was the goal. Mission accomplished. How do you not realize this?

 

[TheBeastCoast]

Sure, I suppose he could have gave an infinite number of answers. You are having a very strange reaction.

He already told the Leafs and their fans where to go after winning the Cup. That's his honest answer, that honestly how he feels.

He gave a simple easy answer. Now he doesn't have to talk about it again because it's not in his control. That was the goal. Mission accomplished. How do you not realize this?

You are completely out to lunch on this one lol he never "told the fans where to go". That is complete fiction and made up by you. As for his answer "I am currently a Calgary Flame and that is what I am focused on right now" is a non answer. Him saying he is open to the Leafs and you somehow taking that to mean he hates the Leafs is just hilarious. End of the day he will probably never play for Toronto again regardless lol

 

[AvatarAang]

This is exactly like the Zadorov to Toronto stuff last year.

Toronto media: would you like the play in Toronto?

Player: sure, I guess

Toronto media: START PRINTING JERSEYS. HES COMING!!!!

Why is it that only non-leaf fans can remember everything about the leafs?

I can’t even remember who the leafs played last week. But non-leaf fans are always the first to remind us who did not sign in Toronto last year.

Do you ever stop to consider why Toronto media overreacts to everything? Do you think it might be because people like you are desperate for Toronto news?

 

[OVO16]

I love kadri but ship has sailed. His contract is bad and Calgary still got a stick up their ass trading with Treliving so I dont see it

 

[Menzinger]

The only way I'd see Toronto be interested in this is with at least 25-30% retention and I don't see any motivation for the Flames to retain anything on the guy.

So not much opportunity for a deal

 

[NyQuil]

It says more about Calgary than it says about Toronto.

 

[JKG33]

Because when he left the Leafs they treated him like he was the one and only problem with the team (like so many others). Then he basically flips the bird to them when he won the Cup.


“For everyone that thought I was a liability in the playoffs you can kiss my ass.” Kadri told Sportsnet’s David Amber and Elliotte Friedman.

He's talking to the Leafs and their fans here.


Just because he is giving the politically correct answer here doesn't mean he want s to go back.

The revisionist theory with Kadri in Toronto is hilarious. You're right he wasn't the only playoff failure, but you're conveniently forgetting he went and got suspended his first playoff with the Avs, and should've again the next year too.

Nazem Kadri only cares about Nazem Kadri. He's only real good season was when it was time to get paid

To be fair, they probably can, at least next year.

If Tavares goes, they'll probably be fully in on the Sam Bennett market, and he'll be getting $7m+ on the open market, and it'll be for more years than Kadri has remaining.

His contract isn't even bad today, it's just got problematic long term risk. There's also the challenge if attempting to do a deal during the season, there's no real way to clear the requisite cap space, unless one of their big 5 players ends up on LTIR and they pull a Mark Stone, or lost two mid-priced players to LTIR.

I might argue, that trading for Kadri, assuming minimal asset cost, might be a better alternative than signing Sam Bennett, simply because Kadri is better cast as a 2nd line centre (more offensive output), and if you believe in Fraser Minten as a solid NHL shutdown centre, you'd want the #2C to have some offensive output, given that Matthews often gets used in defensive matchups as well.

I'd take Bennett at full term for $8m, I wouldnt touch Kadri's current deal. Bennett has improved every season and his give a shit meter is always at 100%. Can say the opposite for Kadri

 

[seanlinden]

I'd take Bennett at full term for $8m, I wouldnt touch Kadri's current deal. Bennett has improved every season and his give a shit meter is always at 100%. Can say the opposite for Kadri

I don't think anyone has really question Kadri's give a #### meter.... the reason he was out was because he couldn't control his emotions.

As for Bennett, I'm honestly not so sure. He's never been durable, and guys who play the way he does don't tend to age gracefully. From a fit standpoint, the way the Leafs use Matthews is similar to how the Panthers use Barkov.

If our "#3C" is Max Domi, I think you can make the case that the 2nd line should be a more physical/shutdown unit... although we obviously don't have a player of Matthew Tkachuks' ilk.

If our "#3C" is going to be Fraser Minten, I think you can make the argument that you might be better served with a #2C that has a little bit more offensive creativity and output... which I think is still Nazem Kadri.

You've also gotta consider -- Matthews & Nylander are long term pieces that probably don't play together. Getting "optimal use" out of Bennett may be difficult if you're having to make your "2nd line" a Domi-Nylander pair.

 

[Master P]

Never should have left

 

[John Mandalorian]

The revisionist theory with Kadri in Toronto is hilarious. You're right he wasn't the only playoff failure, but you're conveniently forgetting he went and got suspended his first playoff with the Avs, and should've again the next year too.

Nazem Kadri only cares about Nazem Kadri. He's only real good season was when it was time to get paid


I'd take Bennett at full term for $8m, I wouldnt touch Kadri's current deal. Bennett has improved every season and his give a shit meter is always at 100%. Can say the opposite for Kadri

He was suspended during his second playoffs with the Avs.

 

[Lunatik]

It says more about Calgary than it says about Toronto.

It doesn't say another about either one if you took a second to actually read it