Stunning trade developments between Toronto and Calgary

As the NHL offseason stretches on, many trade rumours have kept surfacing, especially around the Toronto Maple Leafs, who keep looking for ways to feel the void left by the sign and trade of Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights. While the Leafs have missed out on some top free agents earlier this week, one of the names heating up the rumor mill is Nazem Kadri, and apparently he may be eyeing a return to where it all began.

According to a report by The Toronto Sun’s Terry Koshan, Kadri would be willing to waive his no-move clause specifically for a deal back to the Maple Leafs.

“An NHL source said on Wednesday, however, that Kadri would not let his no-move clause stand in the way of agreeing to a trade to Toronto. At the same time, it was stressed to us that Kadri enjoys playing in Calgary and is not looking to be moved.”

Since his departure in 2019, Kadri has matured into a dependable top-six center. His 246 games with Calgary have netted him 198 points, including a career-high 35 goals last season. He also gained the best playoff experience, ending uo with a Stanley Cup ring on his finger after a championship triumph in 2022 with the Colorado Avalanche.

While Kadri has made it clear he enjoys playing in Calgary, this latest development suggests that his connection to Toronto still runs deep. For the Leafs, or any contender looking to add grit and scoring, Kadri’s value is undeniable. He brings passion, grit and playoff pedigree, and it might just be what Toronto desperately needs.

A deal would not come easy. Calgary has no reason to offload its top scorer for a small cost, and GM Craig Conroy would expect a meaningful return. But with Brad Treliving now managing the Leafs, ironically, the same GM who signed Kadri in Calgary, there’s familiarity that could help make something happen.

For now, no one is on the verge of pulling the trigger, but we get the feeling that this offseason is far from quiet. And with this Kadri rumour making a lot of noise, we might hear more about if a deal can be made shortly…