By Alex Hobson
Dating as far back as 10 years, the Leafs have never had a good drafting record. Their prospects would always be dealt for older players and never be given a chance to prove themselves. Did you know, that since 2009, the Leafs have only drafted two players that would go on to play more than 35 games in the NHL? Those players were Morgan Rielly, the Leafs' top prospect defenseman taken 5th overall in 2012, and Nazem Kadri, who was taken 7th overall in 2009. Kadri is a very interesting case in the NHL. If you're looking for a single word to describe his career in the NHL, then rollercoaster would be an appropriate fit. Let's take a look and see what this means.
Ever since Kadri entered the NHL, he was faced with obstacles along the lines of poor handling by the management, feuds with coaches, and demotions to the AHL. He got his first taste of NHL action in the 2010-11 season, where he appeared in 27 games and posted 12 points. He was moved up and down between the Marlies and the Leafs frequently, and was often mishandled and treated poorly by the old Leafs management. He had a career year in the shortened 2012-13 season, where he recorded 44 points in 48 games. Many Leafs fans began to believe that the Leafs had found their #1 centre of the future, the first one since super swede Mats Sundin. However, the following year, the expectations took a halt, and doubts began. Kadri wasn't performing at the rate he had in 2013-14, and was turning the puck over often and not playing much defense. The year after, his most recent, was even worse. That being said, the 2014-15 Leafs season was one to forget for almost every player. After Kadri was signed to a one year contract a few weeks back, it basically confirmed that he has one more year to prove himself or he'll be shipped out. He got the money he wanted, he'll be given more minutes, so if he doesn't step up, it's likely he'll be dealt next year.
STATUS: AVAILIBLE FOR THE RIGHT PRICE
Much like Jake Gardiner and Jonatahan Bernier, Kadri isn't being shopped around, but if the price is right and the Leafs can't refuse an offer for him, he could very well be shipped out. Head coach Mike Babcock says he expects a big year from Kadri and that he expects him to be elite. If he doesn't live up to the hype yet again, he'll be gone by next year.
2015-16 ROLE: FIRST LINE CENTRE
Please don't confuse his role this year with his ability. Kadri has not lived up to the potential to be a #1 centre and he has the skill set of a #2. That being said, even if Tyler Bozak remains with the team this year, he won't have Kessel to pass him the puck so his production will likely dip significantly. Kadri will more than likely be given first line minutes to play alongside of JVR and possibly a player along the lines of a P.A Parenteau.
What do you think the Leafs should do with Kadri, Leafs fans? Do you still have faith in him? Weigh in below.
Bozak has so much more skill in passing and face offs, he can be relied upon to give his all, all the time.
ReplyDeleteKadri has effort, period. I agree on the one year lets see if he can produce scenario but dont be surprised if he is back with marlies or shipped as there are a lot of youngsters in the leafs ready to prove their selves.