Latest update on Nazem Kadri devastating for Maple Leafs fans

Last week, it was revealed that Kadri was open to the idea of moving on from the Calgary Flames, and with the Maple Leafs in search of a center who could either anchor the 3rd line or bump John Tavares over to the wing on line 2, there appeared to be an opportunity for a reunion between Kadri and the Leafs.

Now, as Salim Valji has reported in Calgary, it does not appear as though Kadri has any interest in waiving his no-movement clause for a trade.

Maybe it was always a bit of a long-shot that Kadri would return to Toronto, especially given his lofty $7M cap hit for 5 more seasons. The Flames were likely never going to retain $3.5M for the next 5 seasons and the Leafs were probably never going to trade Mitch Marner to begin with.

Still, at the heart of Leafs Nation, nobody ever wanted to see Kadri gone, so it makes perfect sense that most among the Leafs' loyal fanbase would welcome a potential return. The problem seems to be that it was never actually based in reality.

Kadri, 33, enjoyed a nice rebound year in 2023-24 with the Flames, producing 29 goals and 75 points, playing in all 82 games.

Source for stats: NHL.com
Nazem Kadri stats and profile