Kadri's Journey: From Leafs to Avalanche

0:00On March 13th, here's the latest surrounding the NHL. After the Toronto Maple Leafs lost to the Boston Bruins in the 2019 playoffs, General Manager Kyle Dubas faced tough salary-capped choices. He traded center, Nazem Kadri to the Colorado Avalanche on July 1st, along with a defenseman and a third-round pick. In return, Toronto got defenseman Tyson Berry, forward Alex Kerfoot and a sixth-round pick. Dubas had signed big deals for stars like Austin Matthews and William Nylander plus John Tavares as a free agent. That crowded the roster and made Kadri's contract too pricey for a third-line role. Meanwhile, Kadri's hard-hitting style led to playoff suspensions, frustrating some fans who wanted him gone. Kadri grew up loving the Leafs and hated leaving his hometown team. He even used his no-trade clause to block a deal to Calgary earlier. Still, he poured his heart out to Toronto fans before departing. In Colorado, Kadri thrived with three strong seasons.

1:02His best came in 2022 at age 31, posting 87 points in 71 games way above his prior high. He played through a badly injured thumb and scored the overtime winner in game four of the Stanley Cup Final, helping the Avalanche claim their first. Title since 2001. Kadri cashed in with a seven-year, $49 million dollar contract from the Calgary Flames in August 2022. The same team he once turned. Down. He's bounced around successfully, and now back with Colorado, fans wish him luck for the rest of his career. Thanks to our sponsor for helping bring you this episode. Your pillow, your podcast, your moment, made for listening and bed. S-O-L-L-I. SullyPillow.com