Analyst believes Maple Leafs have started “kicking tires” for $49 million Flames center - Source: Imagn
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been “kicking tires” on Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri, according to NHL analyst Doug MacLean. On Friday, during an appearance on the FAN 590, a local Toronto-based radio station, MacLean addressed the ongoing rumors about the Maple Leafs exploring a trade involving Kadri.
Kadri, 34, is in the third year of a $49 million deal signed in 2022, according to PuckPedia. The deal carries a $7 million AAV, making it challenging for the Flames to move Kadri.
As MacLean noted, the financial constraints surrounding the Kadri and Jonathan Huberdeau deals could motivate Calgary to pull the trigger. However, he also pointed out that Kadri still retains some animosity due to the way the Leafs traded him prior to the 2019-20 season.
