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New Defensively Minded Nazem Kadri

Heista18*

Guest
This is a discussion regarding Nazem Kadri's Defensive play and progress on the ice. All relevant defensive observations of his hockey IQ is to be discussed here.

This deserves a thread of its own, as many fans (as well as non-leafs fans) still cling to the fact that Naz is a defensive wreck, where he thinks the other side of the game as a second thought. Like all prospects, offence, defence and overall play improves with experience and coaching. For some odd reason, Naz is exempt from such a thought by many. It seems like he is still constantly being written up as an extremely weak defensive minded centre.

I can truly say that I have analysed his game through thick and thin, since game one. I've also followed his progression within the AHL unlike many others who preliminarily judge a player, and stick to it UNTIL the day comes where he finally blows up in the NHL and quiets down the Mudd talkers.


At this point, watch this clip from today's scrimmage. Click on "the Isolation on kadri clip" -> http://www.tout.com/m/woqhqw?ref=tw4sq4ly

Now before the mudd talkers come out with the excuse that this is solely one play, and only that, let me be the first to confirm that this is the new Kadri. Defensive minded plays have been a constant occurance for quite some time now in the A for Naz. For those who aren't educated with his progress, that is the main reason as to why he's been slotted in at C instead of wing going forward on the Marlies squad. There has been no experimenting of Naz playing Wing for quite some time now, and that is the reason.

You have full right to still believe he is incapable of playing a sound defensive game. Just know that for starters, Eakins disagrees with you, as do I.

#FTB
ForTheBoys
Click to read more...
 
RoyalGremlin

RoyalGremlin

The future is now.
Jun 19, 2007
4,123
0
Hat trick in the first period kind of set the bar high for the 2nd and 3rd dont ya think?
 
RealisticLeaf55

RealisticLeaf55

Win it clean for J.T
Sep 28, 2010
4,328
1,454
A place
I have no issue with Kadri being slotted at C due to lack of defensive responsibilities. He needs to show some heart and grit if he wants to make the team. I know he is a bit undersized but he should take a page out of Jeff O'Neil's book and learn how to become a feisty little *******
 

ErnieLeafs

Registered User
Apr 7, 2009
12,211
2,436
Exactly.

Why would you give the kid the idea that he doesn't have to work the next two days?
 
cup67

cup67

Registered User
May 8, 2010
5,754
73
TORONTO
to many forwards, kadri will be sent down , no matter what he does.
leafs will say he needs more work down there. same old.
he needs to get out of here, his old coach last year, hunter would of made him play, cause he is ready and can play.
 
Stephen

Stephen

Moderator
Feb 28, 2002
81,146
58,609
cup67 said:
to many forwards, kadri will be sent down , no matter what he does.
leafs will say he needs more work down there. same old.
he needs to get out of here, his old coach last year, hunter would of made him play, cause he is ready and can play.
Click to expand...

**** that ****. Trade MacArthur, Connolly or Lombardi who don't do much of anything, put him in place and watch him learn and improve where it matters. This nonsense is just getting tedious. It's not like we have Jere Lehtinen, John Madden and Mike Peca in their primes here in terms of excellent defensive play and leadership that we can't live without.

Also he's been playing since October and you're going to put a bunch of cold Lombardi/Connolly characters in the lineup.

Makes me wonder how many years a guy like Steven Stamkos would have been buried in Toronto given our Barry Melrose-like attitude about playing young guys.
 
Last edited:
MakeTheIronSing

MakeTheIronSing

Registered User
Oct 13, 2011
1,299
39
Edmonton
Stephen said:
**** that ****. Trade MacArthur, Connolly or Lombardi who don't do much of anything, put him in place and watch him learn and improve where it matters. This nonsense is just getting tedious. It's not like we have Jere Lehtinen, John Madden and Mike Peca in their primes here in terms of excellent defensive play and leadership that we can't live without.
Click to expand...

????
 
Raging Bull

Raging Bull

Present
Jan 25, 2004
20,194
5,062
Hamilton, ONT
cup67 said:
to many forwards, kadri will be sent down , no matter what he does.
leafs will say he needs more work down there. same old.
he needs to get out of here, his old coach last year, hunter would of made him play, cause he is ready and can play.
Click to expand...

Great message it sends to young players. "Yeah, you've come into camp and played terrific and earned yourself a spot, but since that spot is already reserved to someone less deserving, you're going back down the the minors."

I hope it isn't Lombardi taking his spot. Kadri has earned the chance to show his stuff in the big show, if there isn't room you have to make room for him.
 

Badger Mayhew*

Guest
Macarthur's the new scapegoat for no reason at all, he set Grabovski up for 75-80% of his goals last year and consistently scores 20 goals no problem.

On the topic of Kadri, I think Carlyle is just being tough on him because he doesn't want him to get lazy. What probably happened is Kadri had a great first period, then he started getting lazy defensively which Carlyle obviously wouldn't let stand.

Carlyle definitely sees the potential there, he just needs to see Kadri bring it 100% for an entire game.
 

G51 K81*

Guest
They could be protecting Kadri. I'd much rather him be in a winning environment with the Marlies than miss the playoffs with the Leafs. I am sure management agrees with the majority of Leaf fans (based on the playoff poll), that the Leafs aren't good enough to make the playoffs. Next year he will be a lock imo.
 
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