WHAT IS KADRI’S VALUE?
So where do things stand between Nazem Kadri and the Maple Leafs?
Here’s the best way to put it: The Leafs haven’t put a ‘For Sale’ sign on Kadri yet, but they are entertaining offers for the young centreman and not discouraging anyone from making them.
And the surprise to date: The large number of teams kicking tires on Kadri and appear to have some interest.
The question for Dave Nonis and staff is this: What do they deem to be fair value for Kadri and what exactly are the Leafs looking for in exchange? To date, no one in the front office is saying. But if they get what they believe to be fair value, they will move him without hesitation.
No one doubts his talent. There seems so much else to worry about, though. In Kadri’s breakout year last season, he finished 13th among NHL centres in scoring, ahead of Joe Thornton and Anze Kopitar and just points behind John Tavares and Henrik Sedin. An impressive place. One year later, he sits 53th in scoring at his position, just behind Alex Killorn and Tyler Johnson, ahead of Mathieu Perreault and Derek Stepan.
And this year, he is playing more, with better players, and more power play time. Which makes the possibilities intriguing for both the Leafs and other teams in many different ways.
http://www.torontosun.com/2014/01/18/sidney-crosby-given-green-light-by-penguins-to-carry-canadian-flag-at-olympic-if-coc-wants-him