Nazem Kadri: Where Will He Be Opening Night?

Rich Dezso
September 14, 2009.

Will Kadri be a Leaf this season? Yes, the only question is whether he will be on the big club or as a baby Leaf. At 6' 1 and 177 lbs he is a little lighter than the average NHLer, but in this day and age of hockey size doesn't affect a player like it used to. I think his highly skilled play outweighs any size issues and shouldn't be a factor. Kadri  has been compared to Tony Amonte and only time will tell if this is true. His consistency game in and game out has been an issue in the past, (as with any young player) but with the right training and coaching, I think he can overcome this.

With all the centers the leafs have going into this season it will be tough for Kadri to find a spot with the likes of Stajan, Grabovski, Brozak and even Jason Allison fighting for the same spot as the 18 year old. A year or two with the Marlies will only help in his development and accustom him to the speed and play of Pro hockey. Stajan and Grabovski are locks after the seasons they had in 2008-09. Stajan put up 55 points and Grabovski 48 points, 20 of those goals. Allison's future depends on his ability to get back to the level of play he had before he left. Bozak assuming he has a good camp should also make the big club.

I only hope that the Leaf coaching staff see it the way I do and let the kid mature and develop into a first line player. A year or two with the Marlies will only help the young kid. Let's not rush this. We have waited a long time for a top line forward that we have drafted. Only time will tell.