The Toronto Maple Leafs are being linked to a pair of star forwards in the Western Conference, one of them being former fan favorite Nazem Kadri, by Jeremy Tingly of Leafs Nation.
After their most recent postseason collapse against the divisional foe Florida Panthers, the Toronto Maple Leafs have already undergone numerous changes.
Team president Brendan Shanahan was not brought back after over a decade on the job and only a pair of postseason series victories, signaling the end of the so-called 'Shanaplan' in Toronto.
The most notable change on the roster is that Mitch Marner is no longer a member of the team, having been traded to the Vegas Golden Knights after a sign and trade deal. Additionally, former Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde, who was fired on December 26, has been hired as an assistant on Craig Berube's staff.
After GM Brad Treliving spoke about needing to change some of the 'DNA' on the team, the Leafs have since been linked to a pair of forwards from the Western Conference, including an old friend.
Per Jeremy Tingly of Leafs Nation, Toronto should consider bringing back back Nazem Kadri, but also names Nino Niederreiter of the Winnipeg Jets as another player to consider.
Kadri recorded a team-leading 67 points in 82 games last season, including 35 goals. He's a Stanley Cup winner, he would flourish under Craig Berube, and if Leafs Nation can forgive him for his last two playoff appearances in blue and white, it could be a perfect reunion heading into next season, and beyond. More importantly, however, the Flames have to be willing to do business with their old GM.
As for Niederreiter he is one of the best players on the trade market without trade protection making him a valuable commodity to other teams.
At $4 million for just two more years, it wouldn't be a massive gamble for Treliving to add Niederreiter's contract to the books. He doesn't have any trade protection, which makes things easier, it's just going to come down to what type of return Treliving is willing to offers Jets' GM Kevin Cheveldayoff
Niederreiter had 37 points (17G, 20A) in 82 games with the Jets this year.
As the offseason continues along, it will be fascinating to see if the Maple Leafs pull the trigger and pursue either Kadri or Niederreiter.
