For the first time this preseason, Nazem Kadri did exactly what he is in Toronto for: rack up points.
Usually used as a center, the Leafs most-anticipated prospect was tried as a winger on the first line. Kadri seemed right at home with playmaker Tyler Bozak and the team's resident sniper Phil Kessel.
The reaction was almost instant, as Kadri scored a power play goal in the first period to put the Leafs up 2-0.
Before the game, Leafs' coach Ron Wilson stated that this was Kadri's last chance to prove himself worthy of the big team, along with a few other players on the bubble. The young forward broke through at the best possible time adding a second goal to tie the game in the third period, and then assisting on Phil Kessel's winning goal shortly after.
With his stellar performance Wednesday, Kadri puts Coach Wilson in a tough position, He must debate the pros and cons of keeping Kadri on the opening night lineup, versus sending him to the AHL for some seasoning.
All that's for sure is Wilson has hinted at using Kadri against the Detroit Red Wings in one of the last two preseason games.
No one will know the outcome of this drawn-out spectacle until the final horn blows on the preseason and the Leafs' brain trust make their toughest decisions of the off-season.
In Case you missed any of the action here is the game in six minutes....
Until next time .... Go Leafs Go!
Its going to be hard for Kadri regardless. In a hockey hungry city like Toronto everything you do is over analyzed, micro analyzed and put under the microscope. So if he is able to get used to that and be able to become a solid contributor then he should have no problem. If not i think he might get sent back down to the minors until Brian Burke or Ron Wilson think hes ready. O ya i also think that this will probably be Ron Wilson's last season with the Leafs, just a thought.
ReplyDeleteI'm kind of disappointed that I'm going to have to wait another season to see this guy play in a regular season NHL game. I think that he has done fairly well in the past two preseasons and can perform at the NHL level. Then again, it could be good for his development process if he spends a little more time with the Marlies.
ReplyDeleteHes an exciting player but like most peope here i agree hes going to have to spend time with the Marlies before we see him in action in the NHL. But if hes getting a chance in the preseason games he can make an impression for himself.
ReplyDeletegreat work Dylan. I really enjoy how your blog offers more than just a blog. It has a poll, videos, pictures, and most important your opinion. Keep up the great work!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the great comments guys! As we now know Nazem Kadri will be starting the season with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL. I believe this was the right choice by the organization, and will benefit the team and the player in the long run. Does anyone disagree? Or Agree?
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