Toronto Maple Leafs: Nazem Kadri Appears Headed For the AHL

The debate over whether or not Nazem Kadri craks the Toronto Maple Leafs opening night roster looks to be over and it doesn’t look good for the talented 19-year old.

After Friday night’s 7-3 licking courtesy of the high-flying Detroit Red Wings, Maple Leafs head coach made the following statement regarding the status of Kadri, "I can't see him playing in our lineup opening night and I don't think it's that important," said Wilson. "He's gotta be a better hockey player."

The Maple Leafs had high (perhaps unreasonable) expectations of Kadri heading into training camp, but with Kadri demonstrating an inability to play solid defense and a penchant for turning over the puck at inopportune times, it appears as if Wilson and Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke have soured on Kadri, despite his best efforts.

Burke all but threw the writing on the wall for Kadri a few days ago stating, “He’s (Kadri) not anywhere near to the level we (the Leafs) had hoped for and expected,“I don’t know why that is, but he’s running out of time.”

Kadri responded in his next game with a two goal, three point night, but his heroics were not enough to give him much of a chance of making the Maple Leafs opening night roster, fact is, he’s simply not ready to play on the first or second line and throwing Kadri on the third or fourth line will not allow the Maple Leafs to utilize and develop his offensive talents.

For his part, Kadri is saying all the right things and seems to be “ok” with his “demotion” to the AHL.

As much of a letdown as not cracking the lineup must be for Kadri, he is still only 19-years old and will be making a stop in the AHL where he is bound to get superb tutoring from players and Marlies head coach, Dallas Eakins, who is known for developing young players and can teach Kadri the defensive nuances of the pro game.

Given his skill level and strength in the faceoff circle, Kadri should emerge as one of the Maple Leafs most important player in the near future. That said, in order for him to crack the lineup Kadri will have to be better than one of the Maple Leafs top-six forwards, no easy task, even if the Leafs are a bit thin up front.

As Kadri stated in the media scrum this evening, "There's really nothing to sulk about.  I've been given an opportunity of a lifetime here.  This is the NHL, there's no room for crybabies."

Indeed Mr. Kadri.

In the meantime, put yer head down, get to work in the AHL and I/we Leaf fans, are sure you’ll be up with the big club before you know it.

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Until next time,

Peace!