Toronto Maple Leafs’ Nazem Kadri during practice at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto in this file photo.Deborah Baic/The Globe and Mail
The Toronto Maple Leafs are bringing Nazem Kadri back.
In a period of change and upheaval for the franchise, the Leafs re-signed Kadri to a one-year, $4.1-million deal on Sunday afternoon, giving him market value but no term as they hope he proves he is a long-term fit for the franchise.
Like a lot of Leafs, Kadri had a difficult season last year. His point totals dipped to only 39 in 73 games and he was suspended by the team for showing up late to practice in midseason.
Kadri turns 25 on Oct. 6 – the day before the Leafs season opens – and this will be a pivotal season for the London, Ont., native. It possible he may even be the team's top line centre under new coach Mike Babcock, especially if veteran Tyler Bozak is traded before the season.
The Leafs do not have a lot of forward depth and will desperately need Kadri to produce offensively after the loss of Phil Kessel, who was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins last week.
If he does, and he wins over Babcock, he'll be in line for another raise on a longer term contract come next summer.
Toronto's only remaining restricted free agents are netminder Jonathan Bernier and defenceman Martin Marincin.