Ex-Leaf Nazem Kadri comments on the Leafs' dynamic core and GM Brad Treliving
When Brad Treliving took over as GM of the Maple Leafs for Kyle Dubas, he addressed the elephant in the room of a lack of toughness in the Leafs lineup - or so he thought. The additions of Ryan Reaves, Max Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi added some much-needed sandpaper to the lineup, but after the first two games of the season, that has seemingly disappeared.
Ahead of the game against the Flames last night, former Leaf Nazem Kadri, who was traded out of Toronto following consecutive suspensions in the post-season, was asked about the toughness of the Leafs and specifically the "Core 4" of Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares and Mitch Marner. Here's what he had to say:
"It's about battles & grinding. It's not necessarily laying a big hit or fighting somebody or chirping somebody. Those guys have that low-key toughness & I've seen it for years. I don't expect anything different from those guys."
The Leafs' toughness has come into question multiple times this season specifically after the likes of William Nylander and Timothy Liljegren were sent awkwardly into the boards from behind and no one did a thing. Treliving addressed the lack of response during a team meeting, but since that time, there has still been little to no response and Ryan Reaves has seen more time on the bench than on the ice.
Kadri was also asked about Treliving, the criticism he is receiving in Toronto so far and what he appreciated in Treliving while playing for him in Calgary.
"He's a players guy. He respects everybody's situation, which could be hard to come by in this league sometimes.He knows what he's doing. It's too early to hop on anybody quite yet"
Although he only played for Treliving for one season, Kadri appears to have developed a very good relationship with him and is one of many that have said nothing but good things about the Leafs GM.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 11 | 413 ANSWERS Ex-Leaf Nazem Kadri comments on the Leafs' dynamic core and GM Brad Treliving Do you wish Kadri was still a Leaf? | ||
| Yes, he's what they need | 228 | 55.2 % |
| No, he cost the Leafs two playoff series | 185 | 44.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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