The Colorado Avalanche are moving on to Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoff, and one of the big reasons for the Avalanche success this season has been their depth scoring. At the head of that list is Nazem Kadri. While Kadri may not get all the headlines, Kadri is shining in his new role in Colorado. He brings an edge that was clearly missing in the lineup. Kadri is turning into the playoff performer the Toronto Maple Leafs expected he could be. But what is Toronto’s loss, is Colorado’s gain.
Nazem Kadri Playoff Performer
Now that Kadri and the Avalanche are moving onto the second round, Maple Leafs fans may wonder to themselves where this guy was during his time in Toronto. Kadri already has more points in fewer games with the Avalanche than he did during his time with the Maple Leafs. In eight post-season games with Avalanche, Kadri has 11 points (six goals and five assists). Kadri leads the team in goals too, ahead of Nathan MacKinnon. In 19 playoff games with Toronto, he recorded 10 points (three goals and seven assists). Kadri’s style of play is very effective especially when he is not crossing the line as so in Toronto.
He is also the perfect complement for MacKinnon playing that second-line center role that he made famous in Toronto. For years, the Colorado Avalanche lacked the depth down the middle when that young trio arrived in Denver. While they were making playoffs, they had the skill, but not that grit and determination you need to go deep in the playoffs. Enter Nazem Kadri.
Knowing he had to fit into a new team, Kadri left his past in Toronto and matured into the player some believed he could be. Not only can Kadri be physical, but he can score goals. In addition, he can play with any of those players in the top six. Colorado has put him alongside Mikko Rantanen and Gabriel Landeskog numerous times this season. Plus, Kadri is back on the power play scoring goals. Five of Kadri’s six goals in the post-season have been on the power play. Sometimes all it takes is for a player to be put in the right role and a change of scenery to succeed.
Toronto Maple Leafs Wishing They Had This Kadri
Imagine if Kadri was not suspended against the Boston Bruins in back-to-back post-seasons. And if Kadri’s playing the type of hockey he is in Colorado, do the Maple Leafs win one of those series? Maybe they do, but that is a question we will never know. Because for three games in 2018 and six games in 2019, Kadri sat in the press box. Instead of being a playoff performer like he is with the Avalanche, he crossed that line that got him suspended. That was a big reason why he was traded to the Avalanche on July 1, 2019, which saw Tyson Barrie go to Toronto.
There was a lot of pressure on Kadri ever since he got drafted by the Maple Leafs. However, he flourished in Toronto but had a few run-ins with the Department of Player Safety. Before John Tavares arrived, Kadri was a top-six forward and playing on the power play. However, his role diminished when Tavares got there. But Kadri took it in stride and did what was best for the team. However, at times his immaturity showed.
You never know what a year might bring. In Kadri’s instance, a player gets older and wiser. Some have knocked the Maple Leafs for not having that grit needed to win in the playoffs. And gritty players like Kadri do not grow on trees. It is hard to replace a guy like Kadri who brings skill and strength to the game.
Future For Kadri and the Avalanche
Right now, the Avalanche are into Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They still do not know who their opponent will be. But as the games become harder, Kadri’s style of game will help the Avalanche advance even further in the playoffs. Playing alongside Andre Burakovsky and Joonas Donskoi, the Avalanche have two scoring lines that can hurt you. Not to mention a third line that will grind it out and score big goals when needed.
If Kadri can continue to keep his composure especially in the big moments, he will be one of the reasons why the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup. Not only that but if his point production keeps up, he could be a nomination for the Conn Smythe Trophy if the Avalanche makes it that far.
Regardless of what you think of Kadri, he is turning into a big-time playoff performer and was the missing piece the Avalanche needed to make a deep run in the playoffs.
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