Nazem Kadri Hints at Major Comeback to Leafs as Team in Need for Depth Center

For ten years, Nazem Kadri was a mainstay in the Maple Leafs lineup. Kadri has established himself as one of the league's best players since the Maple Leafs selected him seventh overall in 2009. He has gone from being a dependable goal scorer to one of Calgary's most valuable weapons. With 218 points in 235 games, including a career-high 87 points-a huge 55-point increase from the previous season-he has quietly put together some of the league's best numbers over the last three seasons.

Nazem Kadri hasn't completely ruled out a reunion with his former team, despite being deeply ingrained in the Calgary Flames' roster. The team is in need of center assistance and could use someone like Kadri to help them get over the finish line. Kadri recently expressed his thoughts about the Maple Leafs and the Toronto community at large to reporters:

Brad Treliving, the Flames' general manager when he signed Kadri, would be extremely pleased if Kadri returned to Toronto. The Maple Leafs could definitely use Kadri, who has emerged in the playoffs with 44 points in 52 games, in addition to the fact that they would be bringing back a former fan favorite. Imagine a line that features Max Domi, a rejuvenated Nick Robertson, and Kadri at center. It would be a fantastic combination of veteran leadership, playmaking, scoring, speed, and passion.

It will not be inexpensive, and Toronto must present Calgary with a trade package that is good enough for Kadri. To make it happen, Toronto might offer one of their many defensemen in a package, include David Kampf, and politely request that Calgary keep his salary. The question of whether Kadri forgives the Maple Leafs is also a constant concern.

Since the once-brash star has grown up and developed into a seasoned player, the Toronto Maple Leafs would surely benefit from having Nazem Kadri on and off the ice. Whether Toronto has the necessary pieces to bring Kadri home is the question, not whether he wants to return.