Nazem Kadri spills the truth on how Maple Leafs backstabbed him

Veteran forward Nazem Kadri is working hard to make it work in Calgary where he and the Flames are red hot at the start of this season. It took a while to get there and Kadri’s new book ‘Dreamer: My Life on the Edge’ dives into his life and career, but also opened old wounds.

Kadri was a key player of the Toronto Maple Leafs, when in the summer of 2019, he was traded to the Colorado Avalanche. The move came with much controversy and a portion of his book sheds light on what really happened when the first round pick was traded by the team that picked him seventh overall in 2009. Kadri explains how Toronto originally told him that there was no way they would send him elsewhere, when moments later, the forward was getting a call from the Flames who were trying to convince him to waive his 12-team no-trade clause to join them.

Kadri however ended up with the Avalanche, which turned out to be a great thing for him, winning the Stanley Cup in 2022 before his move to Calgary, but his writing make it clear that the way he was treated by the Maple Leafs has left a mark.
From the book, via Leafs Latest:

“‘After the Maple Leafs’ elimination to Boston and Nazem Kadri’s suspension, Kadri was called into a meeting with the coaching staff and management. He was reassured that he was still part of the team’s plans, and they discussed what he needed to focus on for the upcoming season. Similar messages were later communicated to him by other members of the Leafs’ leadership.

At this time, Kadri’s wife was nine months pregnant, and they were expecting their first child any day. The couple needed stability, making the uncertainty difficult. Unexpectedly, Kadri began receiving calls and messages from Calgary Flames players and management, trying to convince him to join their team.

Kadri had not been informed by the Leafs that he was being shopped to Calgary. It was his agent who broke the news, explaining that the Flames were interested in a deal. However, Calgary was on Kadri’s 12-team no-trade list, and he vetoed the move.

News of the situation spread among Leafs players, causing concern and frustration. Kadri had to reassure his teammates that everything was fine, despite the behind-the-scenes turmoil. Eventually, Kadri was traded to the Colorado Avalanche-a team not on his no-trade list, meaning he couldn’t block the move. Just days after the trade, Kadri’s wife gave birth, and they had to quickly relocate to Colorado with their newborn.

This marked the end of Kadri’s time in Toronto, with the trade ultimately becoming a significant turning point in his career.’“

It’s sad to see how the Maple Leafs mistreated a guy that had been a star on their roster for 10 years. Sure, Kadri was quite a vocal and controversial player during his time in Toronto, but still always made sure the Leafs were at the top of their game. He recorded 357 points in 561 games including back-to-back 32-goal seasons in 2016 and 2017, and he deserved better.

Probably why now he has hoisted the Stanley Cup and always had a little extra motivation when facing the Maple Leafs on the ice.