NHL Rumor Roundup: Could Kadri Reunite With The Maple Leafs? Will The Sabres Match An Offer Sheet For Byram?

It's been six years since the Toronto Maple Leafs traded Nazem Kadri to the Colorado Avalanche.

The expensive addition of John Tavares in 2018 and Kadri's then-average annual value of $4.5 million made the latter an expensive third-line center. His frequent suspensions for undisciplined play in the post-season hastened his departure.

Advertisement

Kadri went on to help the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 2022 before heading to the Calgary Flames later that summer. He matured along the way, playing a more disciplined style without sacrificing his effectiveness as an agitating point producer.

Now 34, Kadri is a core player for the Flames. However, their retooling process made him the subject of trade speculation last summer. It reached the point where Kadri told reporters last fall to “pump the brakes” on the trade chatter, insisting that he loved living and playing in Calgary.

A year later, the speculation has resurfaced, as Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun suggested a possible reunion for Kadri with the Maple Leafs.

The Maple Leafs still need a top-six forward following the departure of Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights earlier this week. Koshan wondered if Leafs GM Brad Treliving would make a pitch for Kadri.

Advertisement

While admitting there is nothing to suggest such a deal could happen, Koshan cited an NHL source claiming Kadri wouldn't let his no-movement clause stand in the way of a return to Toronto. However, he also noted that the one-time Leaf hasn't requested a trade, nor has he been asked to waive his NMC.

It's unlikely that the Flames are interested in moving Kadri. He was their leading scorer last season with 35 goals and 67 points, and his presence is crucial to their playoff contention hopes this season.

Even if the Flames were open to trading Kadri, they would want at least a good young NHL forward as part of the return, something the Leafs lack among their limited trade assets.

Advertisement

Turning to Buffalo, Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram remains a fixture in the rumor mill. The 24-year-old defenseman is an RFA with arbitration rights, prompting conjecture that he could be traded or become a candidate for an offer sheet.

However, Sabres GM Kevyn Adams told reporters on Wednesday he would match any offer sheet for Byram. Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News speculated a trade could still take place, pointing out the Sabres need to replace top-six right winger JJ Peterka, who was shipped to the Utah Mammoth last week.

Harrington also corrected a TSN report earlier this week claiming Byram was a year away from UFA eligibility. He is, in fact, two years away.