New Defensively Minded Nazem Kadri

[K19*]

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

Kadri looked really impressive in that video. If he has progressed that much defensively... then he's absolutely a major core piece and needs to be slotted in at the #1C or 3C at worst this season. Give him the full schedule to just play and learn.

A defensively-sound Kadri is pretty tantalizing. If he's making those plays on a consistent basis then it totally changes how I view him as a prospect.

 

[dimi78]

The compete level and physicality in the NHL is worlds above the AHL. Clearly leads to a greater chance of injury.

Have you watched an AHL game? There really is one difference between the AHL and the NHL which is the high end skill level found in the NHL that leads to a faster paced game with crisp tape to tape passes that is less scrambled at times in result of this compared to the AHL... there's no difference in physicality or compete levels some would argue the guys compete even harder down in the AHL cause the guys down there want to make the NHL.

 

[sangreale]

Well enough of this playful banter. Kadri will start in the AHL and I am sure he will be up soon enough considering the injury history of the stellar free agents Burke signed. I am pretty sure he will stick when he comes up this time.

 

[Syn3rgetic]

Well enough of this playful banter. Kadri will start in the AHL and I am sure he will be up soon enough considering the injury history of the stellar free agents Burke signed. I am pretty sure he will stick when he comes up this time.

This was said for the past 3 years.

 

[sangreale]

Or you could you know...watch Randy Carlyle's press conferences where he explicitly says that.

I don't think Carlyle has much choice but to do as he says to start the season. I am certain that this roster will not be the same after 30 games. I will bet there will be 4 or 5 changes by then. With this tight schedule we we see some significant injuries and I am guessing a couple will be lengthy ones.

 

[Heista18*]

Kadri looked really impressive in that video. If he has progressed that much defensively... then he's absolutely a major core piece and needs to be slotted in at the #1C or 3C at worst this season. Give him the full schedule to just play and learn.

A defensively-sound Kadri is pretty tantalizing. If he's making those plays on a consistent basis then it totally changes how I view him as a prospect.

Great post. Honestly, I truly believe he can make the jump now as opposed to later. Agreed with him playing the full schedule to play and learn.

 

[613Leafer]

Glad to hear he's improved defensively. IMO, if you're a good player, literally the only explanation for why you can be bad defensively is laziness. You should at least be able to be average if you put in the effort.

What, you're not big and physical like Backes? Oh, well neither is Datsyuk, look at his Selke hardware. He uses his speed/hockey awareness/decision making to be good defensively.

What, you're not speedy like Datsyuk? Ok, use your size to intimidate players, push them off the puck. You don't necessarily have to outskate them.

This obviously doesn't apply if you're a small slow skater with poor hockey IQ... but if that's the case, then you're not a good player anyways, so you didn't fit the first criteria of this comment.

 

[sangreale]

This was said for the past 3 years.

Yes but he did not stick. This time he will.

 

[Pi]

I actually wish the Sens drafted Kadri, he would be on the first line with Spezza.

There is no way in hell that there are nine forwards on the Leafs opening night roster that are better than Kadri.

 

[Durrr]

Sorry, I hadn't realized that playing in the AHL meant being immune to injury.

Think before you post, can first round draft picks play in the ahl? No. They're either put in the show or back in junior, which is really a mans game vs. a boys game that allows them to continue to develop there bodies and avoid injury due to being thrusted into a game that plays more physical then there bodies can handle. Did you see RNH when he was drafted? He should not have been allowed to play in the NHL no matter how skilled he was. And lastly, if you think there isn't a difference in physical play in the ahl and nhl you're just wrong.

 

[sangreale]

I actually wish the Sens drafted Kadri, he would be on the first line with Spezza.

There is no way in hell that there are nine forwards on the Leafs opening night roster that are better than Kadri.

So you are saying you are a Kadri fan rather than a Leaf fan?

 

[Ron Wilson*]

Having him start in the minors is a huge mistake. He has earned a spot on the 4th line at least. I'd rather have him running around for 5 minutes a night then Lombardi or Connelly.

INb4 Don Cherry blasting TML on Hockey Night in Canada showing clips of Kadri's hat trick in scrimmage. "Are you kidding me?!" "Are ... you ... kidding me?!!"

 

[sangreale]

Having him start in the minors is a huge mistake. He has earned a spot on the 4th line at least. I'd rather have him running around for 5 minutes a night then Lombardi or Connelly.

INb4 Don Cherry blasting TML on Hockey Night in Canada showing clips of Kadri's hat trick in scrimmage. "Are you kidding me?!" "Are ... you ... kidding me?!!"

Sorry he is not a 4th line guy.

lol at Cherry showing scrimmage clips.

 

[ConnorTO]

hey Defense is great dont get me wrong
and especially with Caryle these players will get great knowledge

but dont lose your offensive spark Kadri

I actually wish the Sens drafted Kadri, he would be on the first line with Spezza.

right because you can predict the future

 

[ErnieLeafs]

Here's the presser, Badger.
http://mapleleafshotstove.com/video/randy-carlyle-011613/

You point out to me where Carlyle says he has a poor attitude, or uses the word "lazy". Or even says that Naz "lets things get to his head"

I'll wait

 

[Syn3rgetic]

I'm thinking Kadri must've pulled a Brian Burke and offended someone in the coaching staff. I don't know why you would lock out potential talent for plugs like Lombardi. It doesn't make any logical sense. AND IM NOT EVEN A KADRI FAN LOL.

 

[Pi]

So you are saying you are a Kadri fan rather than a Leaf fan?

I am a Leaf fan without blue tinted vision/goggles. This kid is ready to play.

He has done everything possible to earn himself an extended look at the NHL level.

 

[Sidney BrOSSby*]

I didn't understand some of the pessimism in this thread. I don't think it's unrealistic to expect Kadri to contribute to the big club this season. And if he can't get there for whatever reason, it's not the end of the world. He's just behind the curve a little. He likes to hit. Maybe thats an angle the coaches can use on him..

 

[Pi]

I didn't understand some of the pessimism in this thread. I don't think it's unrealistic to expect Kadri to contribute to the big club this season. And if he can't get there for whatever reason, it's not the end of the world. He's just behind the curve a little. He likes to hit. Maybe thats an angle the coaches can use on him..

Behind the curve?

If he is behind the curve, I am sure Conolly and Lombardi aren't even on the curve.

 

[Badger Mayhew*]

Here's the presser, Badger.
http://mapleleafshotstove.com/video/randy-carlyle-011613/

You point out to me where Carlyle says he has a poor attitude, or uses the word "lazy". Or even says that Naz "lets things get to his head"

I'll wait

He doesn't say it literally, but you have to read between the lines. If he believes he's a promising, skilled player but wasn't happy with him past his impressive first period, what other reason would he have other than general work ethic?

 

[Hurt]

Cut the flaming/spam/general garbage. If you can't discuss the topic in a mature manner, I suggest ignoring the thread because infractions and threadbans will flow.

 

[Syn3rgetic]

Nazem Kadri on TSN 1050 || Cybulski tries to goad out controversy; fails

Would be nice to hear his version of the story. Clear up some armchair GM time traveler's delusions.

 

[ErnieLeafs]

He doesn't say it literally, but you have to read between the lines. If he believes he's a promising, skilled player but wasn't happy with him past his impressive first period, what other reason would he have other than general work ethic?

Okay, so... again, please... tell me where you weren't ASSUMING what Carlyle meant?

right. He said what he said. He's a straight shooter. He meant what he meant.

 

[Badger Mayhew*]

Okay, so... again, please... tell me where you weren't ASSUMING what Carlyle meant?

right. He said what he said. He's a straight shooter. He meant what he meant.

Carlyle isn't literally a straight shooter. Notice how he dodged the question about who impressed him the most.

What do you think Carlyle meant when he said he didn't have an impressive 2nd/3rd period?

 

[ErnieLeafs]

Carlyle isn't literally a straight shooter. Notice how he dodged the question about who impressed him the most.

What do you think Carlyle meant when he said he didn't have an impressive 2nd/3rd period?

Maybe it was that Kadri had scored 3 goals, and started taking more needless chances, started playing loose?

As a coach, I see kids do it all the time.... why didn't that thought come to mind, before you assumed it was Kadri being lazy, unmotivated, or in other words, generally choosing to say that he didn't care?