Maple Leafs fans are abuzz with a trade pitch that would see Toronto reuniting with fan-favorite Nazem Kadri. Through PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, one user mapped out a blockbuster deal, swapping three Leafs players and two second-round picks to bring Kadri back from the Calgary Flames. If this pitch gained traction, the Leafs would bolster their offense with Kadri’s versatile scoring ability, reuniting the forward with the team where he began his NHL journey in 2009.
Kadri, who joined the Flames in 2022 on a seven-year, $49 million deal, was a powerhouse last season, scoring 29 goals and 46 assists over 82 games. However, a return to Toronto would cost the Leafs significantly: young winger Nick Robertson, defensive center David Kampf, and former first-round pick Timothy Liljegren—all valued pieces in Toronto’s roster. Robertson, who requested a trade and signed a one-year contract with Toronto, would bring an offensive spark to Calgary, while Kampf, a defensive cornerstone for the Leafs, would be a significant shift for Toronto’s fourth line. Liljegren, despite a strong skill set, has struggled for consistent ice time and could benefit from a fresh start.
Despite these speculations, Kadri isn’t biting. When asked about his future, Kadri urged everyone to “pump the brakes.” “I love the city. I love the organization,” he stated, signaling his commitment to Calgary’s mission this season. “We’re going to try to rally around each other and surprise some people.”
Meanwhile, Liljegren, sidelined as a healthy scratch, has faced his own trade rumors. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman hinted that Liljegren, eager for more ice time, may be quietly exploring options with other teams. “There’s no reason he can’t still play for us,” Friedman shared, capturing the tension between Toronto’s insistence on patience and Liljegren’s desire to compete.
While Kadri’s name may be floating in trade talks, his loyalty to Calgary remains steadfast—for now. But as the season unfolds, Toronto’s push for roster upgrades keeps Leafs Nation waiting.
