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Latest Report Hints at Nazem Kadri Return to Leafs as Trade Talks Heat Up

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated Jun 29, 2025 11:09 AM ET

The latest reports indicate that there could potentially be a reunion in the works between the Toronto Maple Leafs and former forward Nazem Kadri, now with the Calgary Flames.

Not only did the Toronto Maple Leafs select a new handful of prospects in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, but they also must now turn their attention toward their summer plans involving trades and free agency.

They've already re-signed John Tavares to a new 4 year contract at a considerable discount with an AAV (average annual value) of just over $4 million a year, while all indications point toward Mitch Marner departing on the open market.

There's also pending RFA forward Matthew Knies to take care of; the latest indications are that he and Leafs management aren't close on bridging the gap on a new contract just yet.

In the meantime, could the Maple Leafs welcome back a former player who was controversially traded?

Per Nick Kypreos, the Maple Leafs could be one of the teams that call the Calgary Flames about acquiring Nazem Kadri.

Nick Kypreos: Teams have been inquiring about Flames' Nazem Kadri; Toronto would be one of them - SN 960

Kadri was originally taken 7th overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, and would play with the franchise for the first several years of his NHL Career.

In surprising fashion , he would be traded to the Colorado Avalanche in 2019, eventually helping them win the Stanley Cup in 2022. He then signed a multi-year contract with the Calgary Flames.

This year with the Flames, Kadri reached a new career-best of 35 goals, his highest output since scoring 32 with the Maple Leafs in 2017-18.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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