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Toronto Maple Leafs Rumors: Nazem Kadri Linked to St. Louis Blues

By Paul Taylor

Feb 6, 2016; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri (43) shoots the puck in the first pepriod against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2016; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri (43) shoots the puck in the first pepriod against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the Toronto Maple Leafs being extremely active leading up to February 29, how realistic is it to expect Nazem Kadri to be moved ahead of the NHL trade deadline?

More from Leafs Rumors

With the NHL trade deadline nearly upon us, the Toronto Maple Leafs show no signs of slowing down. It appears that virtually no one is safe from being moved, for the right price.

Regardless, one player’s availability which may come as a surprise to Leafs fans, is Nazem Kadri. However, that is apparently the case, according to Elliotte Freidman.

The Sportsnet hockey analyst believes that trading Kadri is a real possibility, with the St. Louis Blues being mentioned as a potential new home. Friedman initially shared his thoughts on Monday, while taking part in a Reddit AMA chat.

Friedman admitted his curiosity was aroused after speaking to Doug Armstrong, the Blues President of Hockey Operations and General Manager. St. Louis reportedly also had some interest in the Leafs centre a year ago, although nothing ever materialized.

Further adding fuel to the fire, assistant GM Kyle Dubas and Director of Pro Scouting Dave Morrison were listed at Monday night’s Blues game against the San Jose Sharks. Hockeybuzz.com columnist Michael Augello believes Toronto could be interested in St. Louis defenceman Kevin Shattenkirk.

Toronto Maple Leafs
Feb 18, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock talks to forward Nazem Kadri (43) and forward P.A. Parenteau (15) during a break in the action against the New York Rangers at the Air Canada Centre. New York defeated Toronto 4-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Of course, all of this does not mean anything is actually going to happen. Teams are always talking to each other, and showing an interest in opposing players, but often not coming to anything.

In truth, this really all centres around Kadri, and how he can best help the Leafs moving forward. While Mike Babcock has praised him this season, questions abound about if the former seventh overall draft pick will ever live up to his potential.

On the one hand, there is no denying the 25-year old’s talent, which was particularly highlighted during the strike-shortened 2012-13 season. However, he still struggles to perform consistently.

In some respects, Kadri is a polarizing figure among Leafs fans. At 25, he is still young enough to improve, although some people believe he just lacks the maturity required to be a top-class NHL player.

The London, Ontario native will be a restricted free agent in the summer, but a decision is looming for Toronto. Whether they eventually commit to him long-term, or trade him away, they will be taking somewhat of a gamble.

Next: 4 steps Leafs management should take

Do you see Nazem Kadri as part of the long-term future in Toronto? Or would you prefer the Leafs trade him and get as much as possible in return? Let us know in the comments section below.

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