Nazem Kadri gets brutally honest about how the Maple Leafs snaked him

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Axel Williams
October 24, 2024 (11:06)

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Nazem Kadri was a star on the Toronto Mape Leafs who was known for scoring goals and being one of the more electric players on the team.

However, a few years ago he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, much to the chagrin of the team. As it turns out, the Leafs lied to Kadri about making a deal. In his new book "Dreamer: My Life on the Edge," Kadri detailed how the team originally told him that there was no way they would send him elsewhere. However, very soon after, the Calgary Flames were on his phone trying to convince him to waive his 12-team no-trade clause.

Meanwhile, the team ended up sending him to the Colorado Avalanche, which turned out to be vindicating for Kadri, for numerous reasons.

"After the Maple Leafs' elimination to Boston and Nazem Kadri's suspension, Kadri was called into a meeting with the coaching staff and management. He was reassured that he was still part of the team's plans, and they discussed what he needed to focus on for the upcoming season. Similar messages were later communicated to him by other members of the Leafs' leadership.

At this time, Kadri's wife was nine months pregnant, and they were expecting their first child any day. The couple needed stability, making the uncertainty difficult. Unexpectedly, Kadri began receiving calls and messages from Calgary Flames players and management, trying to convince him to join their team.

Kadri had not been informed by the Leafs that he was being shopped to Calgary. It was his agent who broke the news, explaining that the Flames were interested in a deal. However, Calgary was on Kadri's 12-team no-trade list, and he vetoed the move.

News of the situation spread among Leafs players, causing concern and frustration. Kadri had to reassure his teammates that everything was fine, despite the behind-the-scenes turmoil. Eventually, Kadri was traded to the Colorado Avalanche-a team not on his no-trade list, meaning he couldn't block the move. Just days after the trade, Kadri's wife gave birth, and they had to quickly relocate to Colorado with their newborn.

This marked the end of Kadri's time in Toronto, with the trade ultimately becoming a significant turning point in his career."

In the end, Kadri got the best out of the deal as he went to the Colorado Avalanche and won a Stanley Cup. Now, he is with the Flames and while their may be some trade rumors out there, he appears to be happy.

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Source: Hockey Patrol
Nazem Kadri Finally Reveals What Really Happened with the Toronto Maple Leafs Management Before His Trade