It was to be expected, but appears to have come as an awful shock for Nazem Kadri, who was moved by the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday as part of a blockbuster trade with the Colorado Avalanche.
The Leafs acquired defenseman Tyson Barrie, forward Alex Kerfoot and a sixth-round pick in the 2020 NHL draft from the Avalanche. Toronto sent Kadri, along with defenseman Calle Rosen and its third-round selection in the 2020 NHL draft.
On Tuesday, Kadri took the time to write a moving message to the city he calls home as insider Adam Proteau notes that Kadri is especially devastated by the trade.
Here is what Kadri had to say on his Instagram account:
“10 years, what can I say. Words cannot describe what this city means to me. You welcomed me in as a boy and watched me grow and evolve in front of your eyes. Thank you for opening your arms up and making me feel right at home. You asked for my heart and I gave you my soul. Forever a special place in my heart. That being said, I believe my best years are in front of me and I cannot wait to join my new team. The new chapter starts now, thank you Toronto for everything you have done for me, I will never forget it.”
Despite the many controversial situations has been linked to in a Leafs’ uniform, the last one being the suspension he received against the Boston Bruins in the playoffs for the second consecutive year after cross-checking Jake DeBrusk, fans will have to admit that he leaves a nuanced legacy with Toronto.
Kadri’s tenure with the Maple Leafs was always complex, but you can easily tell how proud he was to play for Toronto and how he miss the club that selected him seventh overall in the 2009 NHL Draft.
A new chapter indeed for Kadri.
