Nazem Kadri comments on Maple Leafs fan-driven trade speculation

Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri admitted he is aware of rumours centred around him being traded back to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Throughout the offseason, there have been Leafs fans talking at length about their desire to see Kadri wear the Blue and White once again. Although this desire is not new, given that many were unhappy to see him traded back in 2019, the noise has reached new levels and is only growing louder. Kadri made an appearance on The Knight Shift with Mike Stubbs and Kyle Grimard on Thursday during the 12th Annual Nazem Kadri Charity Golf Classic, where he was asked about the rumblings and what his thoughts were.

“Unless I live in a box, I think I would hear it. I’ve certainly heard lots of speculation for sure,” he said. “It’s happened quite often over the last couple of months. So it’s a bit bizarre just scrolling around and seeing your face pop up and name pop up. Obviously, the rumour mill is pretty strong, especially around these parts. And a lot of the time, the rumours can catch some fire and that fire turns into bigger fires.”

As far as why the noise surrounding Kadri has picked up, it has to do with him continuing to be effective, along with his familiarity with GM Brad Treliving and the fact that he is looking for a top-six forward. He is coming off a productive season with the Calgary Flames, where he was able to set a new career high in goals with 35 while recording 67 points in 82 games. He is entering the fourth year of a seven-year deal that Treliving signed in 2022 that carries an AAV of $7 million.

Since the arrival of Treliving, the Leafs and Flames have not made a trade with one another, and that would have to change if Kadri does indeed want to come back. While he has not told Calgary’s front office that he wants out, he at the very least welcomes the conversation among Leafs fans and said the noise doesn’t bother him.

“You know what? And why not?” he said. “I mean, there’s not a whole lot in terms of sports going on right now. I think it’s definitely a topic to talk about, and hey, why not talk about it?”

It remains to be seen if a trade involving Kadri returning to the Leafs will be happening anytime soon. Not only has it been a while since the two teams have done business together, but Kadri’s contract also has a no-movement clause that he would need to waive for any deal to come to fruition. While it’s unknown whether he would do so given that there’s no trades on the horizon, it doesn’t seem like he’s necessarily itching to leave. When asked about life in Calgary, Kadri spoke glowingly about the team, the city, and the fans.

“It’s been excellent. Calgary is such a great city, especially for the family and I,” he said. “Very scenic and beautiful, and got some good players along the way. So I appreciate the C of Red for sure.”

In any case, Kadri’s comments about the trade rumours will only make the noise surrounding fans’ desires to see him come back grow exceptionally louder. At the very least, he is aware of how badly some Leafs fans want to see him wear the Blue and White for the first time in over half a decade.