Nazem Kadri Could Stay Around

One can bet that scoring a goal in front of so many friends and family members while wearing the Toronto Maple Leafs uniform is to date the greatest thrill for 18 year-old forward Nazem Kadri. The stage was all set for last June’s seventh overall draft choice as the Leafs were playing a pre-season game on September 17 in London Ontario where Kadri stared last season for the London Knights. Last year this London Ontario native won over the fans when he came over from the Kitchener Rangers and posted 25 goals along with 75 points in only 56 games. Even though GM Brian Burke and coach Ron Wilson repeatedly said that Kadri will more then likely go back for another season with the Knights this season Kadri has countless times said that he is not giving up on his quest to male the Leafs opening night roster against the Montreal Canadiens on October 1. This speedster who last spring scored 21 points in 14 playoffs games caught the attention of not only the Leaf brass in that September 17^th game but also the cheering fans which included Kadri’s family and close friends at the John Labatt Centre. This special moment occurred in the first period when he opened up the scoring of what was a 4-0 Leafs win against the Philadelphia Flyers. “I didn’t know whether I should celebrate or not celebrate,” Kadri said. In front of the sellout crowd of 9,099 fans the teenager who according to management has to gain muscle also received his first bit of NHL trash talk courtesy of Flyers captain Mike Richards. After a Flyers player was sent to the box for high sticking the rookie Richards skated to Kadri and replied, “You’re going to have to be tougher to stay in this league.” Once again Kadri continues to be a bright spot for the Leafs as he is making Burke look like a genius for choosing him. These exhibition games might seem meaningless and boring to the veterans but for wide-eyed rookies such as Kadri it’s a first time experience that they will remember for life. When you think about it it’s only fitting that Kadri scored that first NHL goal and received his first bit of NHL trash talk in his hometown arena where he plays junior and is surrounded by a supportive family and friends.