Kyle Dubas Called Out by Nazem Kadri for Disrespecting Him and His Pregnant Wife in Toronto

The Calgary Flames have had two disappointing seasons, but Nazem Kadri has been a bright player on the team. For the second consecutive year, he has performed well enough on his own to be the subject of trade rumours. It's nothing new, of course, for Kadri, who faced this kind of uncertainty earlier in his career, most notably during his turbulent departure from the Toronto Maple Leafs. For years to come, his relationship with the team would be shaped by the startling and disheartening turn of events surrounding his departure from Toronto.

Recently, Kadri shared his story in his new book, finally addressing what happened after he left the Maple Leafs. He claimed that after being repeatedly assured by then-GM Kyle Dubas that he would not be traded, Kadri ended up with a contract with the Calgary Flames that was still pending. Calgary was on his no-trade list, which made matters more difficult, but the rumors alone damaged what should have been a relationship of trust between Kadri and the Maple Leafs front office. For Kadri, the timing was particularly bad: his partner was nine months pregnant, and their child was born a few days after he was traded to the Colorado Avalanche. He believes that Dubas's actions were disrespectful.

Fans have taken to social media to express their feelings regarding this move by Kyle Dubas and the Maple Leafs.

The course of Kadri's career took a radical turn after he settled in Colorado. He went from being a supporting player in Toronto to becoming a vital member of the Avalanche, and in 2022 he won the Stanley Cup, something he might not have experienced if he had remained in Toronto. In addition to bringing him personal success, his time in Colorado changed who he was as a player. Following this successful run, Kadri signed a free-agent contract with the Calgary Flames, a team that had previously been on his no-trade list. Since then, he has continued to put up strong numbers in the league.

Given that his partner was about to give birth to their child, it is highly doubtful that Kyle Dubas was unable to be honest with Kadri during that crucial period in his personal life. A more straightforward stance from Dubas could have alleviated a lot of that tension, but the remaining ambiguity has only fueled a persistent feeling of betrayal.

With a Stanley Cup and a stellar career as a Flames mainstay, he has established himself as one of the NHL's top forwards. His story after leaving the Maple Leafs is one of perseverance and growth.