NHL Trade Buzz: Will Nazem Kadri team up with Auston Matthews again? Flames star responds to Maple Leafs reunion rumors
With the Toronto Maple Leafs still quiet about their plans following Mitch Marner's trade, fans have started speculating about the possibility of another reunion — one that would bring Nazem Kadri back to where it all began. As the Maple Leafs assess their core, including franchise centerpiece Auston Matthews, the idea of rekindling their connection with Kadri has quickly caught fire in the hockey world, even if it's fueled more by nostalgia than negotiations.
Leafs fans crave reunion, Nazem Kadri keeps his cool amid buzz
Nazem Kadri’s departure from Toronto in 2020 came during a turbulent time — the Maple Leafs had just faced yet another playoff heartbreak, and cap space pressures combined with his postseason suspension sealed his fate. It wasn’t the smoothest goodbye. But time has a strange way of softening sharp edges. While management has changed and faces have shuffled, Toronto’s hunger for playoff redemption remains the same. Kadri, known for his edge and energy, is now being seen by some as a piece that could help tilt the balance.
Naturally, the rumors have only grown louder. The veteran center is still tied to a hefty $7 million contract in Calgary, and he holds a full no-movement clause — a powerful tool that puts the next move entirely in his hands. But despite no official word from either club, fans are doing what they do best — imagining what could be.
Kadri, aware of the speculation, recently addressed the noise during an offseason interview, showing poise and even a hint of amusement.
“Unless I live in a box, I think I would hear it. I’ve certainly heard lots of speculation for sure,” Kadri said via The Knight Shift. “Obviously, the rumor mill is pretty strong, especially around these parts. And a lot of the time, the rumors can catch some fire and that fire turns into bigger fires.”
Kadri didn’t dismiss the talk outright, but neither did he stoke the flames. Instead, he embraced the chatter as part of the NHL offseason culture.
“You know what? And why not? I mean, there’s not a whole lot in terms of sports going on right now,” Kadri continued. “I think it’s definitely a topic to talk about, and hey, why not talk about it?”
Kadri praises Calgary but leaves door ajar
Despite the buzz around Ontario, Kadri made sure to show his appreciation for Calgary, calling it an ideal place for his family and praising the Flames organization.
“It’s been excellent. Calgary is such a great city, especially for the family and myself,” he said. “Very scenic and beautiful, and got some good players along the way. So I appreciate the C of Red for sure.”
Still, his future remains an open question. For now, the ball is in Kadri’s court — and if there’s even a flicker of interest in a return to Toronto, the Maple Leafs will be watching closely.
Also Read: Connor McDavid needs saving — and Oilers may look to Sidney Crosby's Penguins to rescue his NHL legacy
Leafs fans crave reunion, Nazem Kadri keeps his cool amid buzz
Nazem Kadri’s departure from Toronto in 2020 came during a turbulent time — the Maple Leafs had just faced yet another playoff heartbreak, and cap space pressures combined with his postseason suspension sealed his fate. It wasn’t the smoothest goodbye. But time has a strange way of softening sharp edges. While management has changed and faces have shuffled, Toronto’s hunger for playoff redemption remains the same. Kadri, known for his edge and energy, is now being seen by some as a piece that could help tilt the balance.
Naturally, the rumors have only grown louder. The veteran center is still tied to a hefty $7 million contract in Calgary, and he holds a full no-movement clause — a powerful tool that puts the next move entirely in his hands. But despite no official word from either club, fans are doing what they do best — imagining what could be.
Kadri, aware of the speculation, recently addressed the noise during an offseason interview, showing poise and even a hint of amusement.
“Unless I live in a box, I think I would hear it. I’ve certainly heard lots of speculation for sure,” Kadri said via The Knight Shift. “Obviously, the rumor mill is pretty strong, especially around these parts. And a lot of the time, the rumors can catch some fire and that fire turns into bigger fires.”
Kadri didn’t dismiss the talk outright, but neither did he stoke the flames. Instead, he embraced the chatter as part of the NHL offseason culture.
“You know what? And why not? I mean, there’s not a whole lot in terms of sports going on right now,” Kadri continued. “I think it’s definitely a topic to talk about, and hey, why not talk about it?”
Kadri praises Calgary but leaves door ajar
Despite the buzz around Ontario, Kadri made sure to show his appreciation for Calgary, calling it an ideal place for his family and praising the Flames organization.
“It’s been excellent. Calgary is such a great city, especially for the family and myself,” he said. “Very scenic and beautiful, and got some good players along the way. So I appreciate the C of Red for sure.”
Still, his future remains an open question. For now, the ball is in Kadri’s court — and if there’s even a flicker of interest in a return to Toronto, the Maple Leafs will be watching closely.
Also Read: Connor McDavid needs saving — and Oilers may look to Sidney Crosby's Penguins to rescue his NHL legacy
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