‘I’ve certainly heard lots of speculation’: Flames’ Nazem Kadri responds to Maple Leafs trade rumors

Sometimes, you can never get over the one that got away. In the case of the Toronto Maple Leafs, there’s plenty of chatter that a former member of the Original Six franchise could be heading back their way.
With the team desperate for another top-six forward with the departure of now-Vegas Golden Knights winger Mitch Marner, and the Leafs still desiring a reliable player with some bite to their game, there are rumors abound that the team might pursue Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri prior to next season.
The topic of conversation arose this past week when Kadri, who was helping host the annual Nazem Kadri Charity Golf Classic in his hometown of London, Ontario, spoke with London Knights broadcaster Mike Stubbs and co-host Kyle Grimard on an episode of The Knight Shift.
Kadri admits it has been interesting to see his name popping up in trade talks throughout the offseason so far.
“Unless I live in a box, I think I would hear it,” Kadri said. “I’ve certainly heard lots of speculation for sure. It’s happened quite often. Over the last couple of months, so it’s a bit bizarre just scrolling around and seeing your face and name pop up. Obviously, the rumor mill is pretty strong, especially around these parts, and a lot of the time, these rumors can catch fire, and that fire turns into bigger fires.”
Kadri honed his craft and became a polarizing figure in Toronto at the beginning of his NHL career. The former first-round pick endeared himself to fans by showcasing his ability as a skilled player, but also played on the edge, which made him miserable to play against. However, his multiple suspensions in the Stanley Cup Playoffs labeled him as a liability, leading to then-general manager Kyle Dubas trading Kadri to the Colorado Avalanche in 2019, where he went on to win Lord Stanley’s Cup less than three years later.
In spending parts of nine seasons with the Maple Leafs, Kadri knows how loud the noise can be in the hockey mecca of the world, a hot topic of conversation after the team bowed out in the second round to the eventual champion Florida Panthers. Yet, with all of the noise and talk about him possibly returning to his roots, Kardi welcomes the conversation.
“You know what? And why not? I mean, there’s not a whole lot in terms of sports going on right now. I think it’s definitely a topic to talk about, and hey, why not talk about it?”
The 34-year-old is heading into the fourth year of his seven-year contract with the Flames, which current Leafs GM Brad Treliving signed him to back in 2022. The deal carries an AAV of $7 million and a full no-move clause through the coming year, before a modified no-trade clause kicks in for the final three seasons.
In 985 regular-season games in the NHL, Kadri has scored 307 goals and 403 assists for 710 points, with another 44 points coming in 52 postseason contests.