Maple Leafs fans still reeling from trade that paved the way for Avalanche's 2022 Cup run
Photo credit: Claus Andersen / Editor in Leaf
Toronto Maple Leafs fans are still reeling from the controversial trade that sent Nazem Kadri to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Tyson Barrie, a deal that ultimately paved the way for the Avalanche's 2022 Stanley Cup championship run.
Adding to the drama, Barrie recently announced his retirement, bringing even more attention back to the trade that reshaped both franchises.
Leafs fans still reeling from trade that led to Avalanche's 2022 Stanley Cup.
Thomas Wiliams from Editor in Leaf writes that after yet another disappointing first-round playoff exit, the Maple Leafs, under Kyle Dubas, were starting to panic. Searching for explanations beyond bad luck and unresolved scoring issues, they focused on Kadri's suspensions, which seemed to come at the worst possible moments.
"Kadri's multiple suspensions in the playoffs left a sour taste in some people's mouths and he was seen as someone who could not reliably be in the lineup during the most important time of the year. With that and some upcoming cap squeeze thanks to the new superstars in Toronto, he was dealt for defenseman Tyson Barrie and center Alex Kerfoot -- among some other extra pieces in the deal." -Williams
Although trading a homegrown center like Kadri was difficult, the deal was initially viewed as a positive for Toronto. In return, the Leafs acquired an offensively gifted defenseman who had been producing consistently with the Avalanche, along with a center who once showed promise and could potentially fill Kadri's role on the third line.
In a vacuum, having Kadri as a third-line center behind Auston Matthews and John Tavares was a luxury, making the trade appear sensible at first glance.
"It was one of those trades that just caused you to pause and try to talk through the reasons. Maybe it was a big cloud of copium settling down on top of Leafs fans or frustration at Kadri for missing playoff games once again, but it wasn't as controversial a trade at the time." -Williams
After winning the 2022 Stanley Cup with the Avalanche, Kadri signed a seven-year deal with Calgary. Now in his mid-30's, he's a proven top-six center who continues to score and would be a coveted addition for any team.
"And the Leafs, well, have nothing. Heck, we're dreaming of them re-acquiring Kadri and paying a decently sized price to get him back in Toronto for his twilight years." -Williams
Another trade gave one team the final piece for a Cup, while leaving the Maple Leafs short-handed in the playoffs.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 26 | 24 ANSWERS Maple Leafs fans still reeling from trade that paved the way for Avalanche's 2022 Cup run Do you think the Avalanche would have won the Stanley Cup without Kadri in 2022? | ||
| yes | 7 | 29.2 % |
| no | 17 | 70.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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