Jeff Marek Sparks Buzz Around Nazem Kadri's Trade Reunion with the Maple Leafs

According to NHL insider Jeff Marek, there's now renewed speculation of Nazem Kadri return to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The veteran center could cure some of those critical weaknesses as the club embarks on another deep playoff run.

On his show, 'The Sheet', Jeff Marek brought up Toronto's need for more grit and depth at center, particularly with physical matchups, similar to those against the Florida Panthers.

Injured forwards like Max Pacioretty and Calle Jarnkrok open up a possibility for Nazem Kadri with his extensive playoff experience, toughness, and scoring ability that can fill immediate and long-term gaps.

Reports are that Kadri, in the third year of a seven-year, $49 million contract with the Calgary Flames, is open to reunions with either Toronto or Colorado, per multiple sources.

The Flames aren't shopping him, but Eric Francis of 'The FAN Hockey Show' suggested they'd consider offers if everything fits just right.

Challenges remain, including Kadri's $7 million cap hit through 2028-29, which could strain Toronto's salary cap. Calgary would likely need to retain part of his salary, and Kadri's 13-team no-trade clause adds another complication.

However, Leafs GM Brad Treliving, who signed Kadri in Calgary, could use their past connection to facilitate discussions.

Those certainly seemed like comments from Marek that turned up the volume on any Kadri to the Leafs talk.

Guys like Dave Pagnotta suggest his contract might be a hang-up, but he knows Toronto, so he checks off a lot of boxes for the club: toughness and secondary scoring.

Marek stated that Kadri could be the key to finally break through the Leafs' playoff struggles, and the fans of the team are desperate to finally break that 1967 Stanley Cup curse.