The trade that sent Nazem Kadri from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Colorado Avalanche on July 1, 2019, continues to be a topic of conversation among hockey fans. Looking back, the move appears to have been a crucial turning point in Kadri's career, facilitating his growth both on and off the ice.
Kadri, drafted seventh overall by the Leafs in 2009, spent a decade in Toronto. During that time, he showcased offensive talent, amassing 161 goals and 196 assists in 561 games. However, his tenure was also marked by disciplinary issues and playoff suspensions that hindered the team.
As the Maple Leafs transitioned into a team built around Auston Matthews and John Tavares, Kadri's role became less defined. Recognizing the logjam at center and the need for defensive upgrades, then-general manager Kyle Dubas made the difficult decision to trade Kadri. The return package included Tyson Barrie, a puck-moving defenseman, and Alex Kerfoot, a versatile forward. Along with Kadri, the Avalanche received Calle Rosen and a 2020 third-round pick.
At the time, the trade was met with mixed reactions. Some Leafs fans lamented the loss of a player with Kadri's skill and grit, while others saw it as a necessary move to address team needs. For Kadri, the trade was initially a disappointment, as he had deep ties to Toronto and had even used his no-trade clause to decline a deal to Calgary.
However, the change of scenery proved to be beneficial for Kadri. In Colorado, he thrived as the team's second-line center, complementing the offensive firepower of Nathan MacKinnon. In his first season with the Avalanche, he recorded 19 goals and 17 assists in 51 games before an injury cut his season short.
Beyond the statistics, Kadri seemed to mature and refine his game in Colorado. He maintained a physical edge but curtailed the undisciplined penalties that had plagued him in Toronto. This transformation culminated in a Stanley Cup victory with the Avalanche in 2022, a defining moment in Kadri's career. He became the first Muslim player to hoist the Stanley Cup.
Following his Stanley Cup win, Kadri signed a seven-year, $49 million contract with the Calgary Flames in August 2022. It was a full-circle moment, considering he had previously rejected a trade to Calgary. As of November 5, 2025, Kadri has played over 1,000 NHL games.
Looking back, the "what if" scenarios surrounding the Kadri trade are endless. Would the Maple Leafs have achieved greater playoff success with Kadri in the lineup? Could Kadri have reached his full potential in Toronto, or was a change of scenery essential for his growth? While these questions are impossible to answer definitively, it's clear that the trade had a profound impact on Kadri's career trajectory.
The trade forced Kadri to grow as a player and as a person. He embraced a leadership role in Colorado and demonstrated the ability to elevate his game in crucial moments. While Maple Leafs fans may still wonder what could have been, Kadri's journey serves as a reminder that sometimes, a change of scenery can be the catalyst for unlocking one's full potential.
