Insider Reveals the Latest News Regarding Nazem Kadri and the Maple Leafs

With the Maple Leafs sitting atop the NHL's Atlantic Division at the moment, there may not be an immediate need for added help with the roster.

However, there's no question that Leafs GM Brad Treliving will be looking to make moves as we get closer to the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and one name rumoured to be in the mix is former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri.

Kadri certainly makes sense if the Leafs want to add offense, grit, and experience in one shot, but one insider is pouring cold water on the rumour.

Dave Pagnotta told Nick Alberga on the Leafs Nation podcast that the Calgary Flames had made Nazem Kadri available at the last NHL draft and over the summer when it looked like the team would be going into rebuild/reset mode.

Pagnotta added that his sense over the summer was that Nazem Kadri was very open to a return to Toronto or the Colorado Avalanche, if circumstances allowed.

As for concerns about making a trade for Nazem Kadri, Pagnotta said the contract is definitely the biggest drawback.

Kadri's current contract does not expire until the end of the 2028-2029 season, making him a long-term commitment for potential trade suitors.

Kadri's tenure with the Maple Leafs was filled with ups and downs, with the team eventually trading him when he got a reputation as a playoff liability. To see him return to the team that drafted him seventh overall in 2009 would be very cool, and the 36-year-old seems much more levelheaded now.

Nazem Kadri himself made an unexpected statement about the rampant trade rumours recently, saying he would never close the door on a potential return to Toronto.