Much of the Toronto Maple Leafs' season focus will revolve around Mitch Marner. Possible reunion candidates include Nazem Kadri, whose $7 million cap hit runs four seasons and whose return would be difficult given Toronto's limited premium assets. Kadri, 34, is playing some of the best hockey of his career, with a career-high 35 goals and 67 and 75-point seasons. Kadri excels at middle-ice play, produced a +56 penalty differential over three seasons, and scored 34 points in 33 playoff games during a Stanley Cup run. Ryan O'Reilly represents another value-centered option as a veteran two-way center with a modest cap hit.
It's great that Nazem Kadri appears willing to waive his no-movement clause for a possible trade back to the Maple Leafs. His $7M cap hit lasts for the next four seasons, and Toronto lacks premium assets, so file this possibility under "easier said than done." Brad Treliving's been a GM since 2014, so let's assume that he could trade for a player he once signed. Despite already being 34 years old, Kadri is playing some of the best hockey of his career.
Kadri set a new career-high with 35 goals last season and topped the Flames in scoring the past two seasons with 67 and 75 points. He's not quite Selke material, but his teams tend to own the middle of the ice when he's on duty. It's understandable to worry about his temper, but I'd argue he's brilliant at channeling it in the right direction; Kadri generated the NHL's fourth-best penalty differential through the past three seasons (+56, ahead of Auston Matthews' Leafs-leading +38).
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