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Maple Leafs Centre Nazem Kadri Suspended

Nazem Kadri has played his last game as a Toronto Maple Leaf, at least, for the 2015-16 season.

An altercation Saturday night with Detroit Red Wings forward Luke Glendening culminated with Kadri delivering an obvious cross-check to the head or neck of his opponent, who was shaken up by the assault. The NHL department of player safety has suspended Kadri for the remaining four games of the season. He’ll also forfeit over $200 000.00 in salary.

Maple Leafs Centre Nazem Kadri Suspended

While he has earned the praise of his coach this year for his competitiveness, Kadri has also earned a reputation for crossing the line, and is considered a repeat-offender in terms of league-issued discipline.

The restricted free agent will be in search of a new contract during the off-season, and while he has impressed on many levels, the former seventh-overall draft pick had an underwhelming season in terms of offense. In 76 games as the top-line centre, Kadri produced just 17 goals and 28 assists. By way of comparison, P.A. Parenteau and Leo Komarov both 19 goals, and in fewer games. While Kadri has the edge in terms of assists, those are not the numbers normally associated with a top-line NHL centreman.

The question on most fan’s minds is whether or not the player and the club will be able to come to terms on an extension, or if they will ultimately part ways, and there are pros and cons to each scenario.

Rewarding a home-grown talent who plays hard with a long-term deal sends a message of organizational stability and a solid commitment to the draft and develop process. Conversely, over-extending their resources on a player who has never eclipsed 20 goals or 50 points is an obvious concern. Would the player accept a two or three-year bridge deal? Will general manager Lou Lamoriello pursue an arbitration settlement? Arbitration can be a contentious process in which egos are bruised and relationships tested, and the subsequent strain can be damaging.

The other question is whether or not the Leafs will look to fill their need for a bona fide top-line centreman through other means, and with the emergence of William Nylander, we are left wondering where the fit  may be going forward.

Kadri will spend the off-season working on his ability to finish by refining his shot mechanics and overall power in order to make that release more dynamic and dangerous. Should he put it together, he’ll become a multi-dimensional asset with the ability to generate offense, create space and opportunity for teammates, and draw penalties. What’s a player like that worth to the Maple Leafs?

Main Photo credit: bridgetds via photopin cc

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