Latest reports reveals who the Maple Leafs need to give up to land Avalanche Cup hero
Photo credit: Graig Abel / NHLI
A latest report confirms that the Toronto Maple Leafs are still exploring a possible return for former Colorado Avalanche Stanley Cup hero Nazem Kadri ahead of next NHL season.
Kadri's name has already surfaced in discussions linking him to a potential return to the Maple Leafs.
Maple Leafs willing to part ways with star defenseman for Nazem Kadri.
Anthony Fava from 6ix On Ice writes that Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Reilly, once a top offensive blueliner, hasn't matched his 72-point 2018-19 season or 68 points in 2021-22.
"Amongst many Leafs fans, Rielly has been defined by his inconsistent play of late, looking like an elite two-way player one game, and then like a total non-factor the next. And while Rielly is 31 years old, with productive years still ahead of him in the NHL, it may be time for the team to move on from the current longest tenured Leaf and get some solid pieces in return." -Fava
Rielly's no-trade clause makes finding a destination tricky, but there could be a few deals the Leafs won't want to pass up, if he agrees.
"Rielly for Nazem Kadri deal is the one that has been thrown around the most amongst fans and the media, and for good reason." -Fava
Since leaving Toronto, Kadri has excelled, posting a career-high 87 points with Colorado in 2021-22 and adding 75 points in 2023-24 and 67 points, including 35 goals, last season with the Calgary Flames.
"Essentially, the Leafs would be giving up offence on the defensive end for offence at centre, which is something the team needs, considering the drop-off in talent at the centre position after Auston Matthews and John Tavares.
Kadri could slot in at the second-line centre position, pushing Tavares either to the wing or to the third line, which would further deepen their strength at the position." -Fava
Kadri could slot in at the second-line centre position, pushing Tavares either to the wing or to the third line, which would further deepen their strength at the position." -Fava
Financially, the swap makes sense: Reilly earns $7.5 per season, while Kadri makes $7 million. Losing a longtime Leaf in Rielly would sting, but reuniting with Kadri could be very appealing.
Previously on Avalanche Insider
| POLL | ||
AOUT 28 | 18 ANSWERS Latest reports reveals who the Maple Leafs need to give up to land Avalanche Cup hero Would you trade Nazem Kadri for Morgan Reilly? | ||
| yes | 12 | 66.7 % |
| no | 6 | 33.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
