Maple Leaf Investments


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Maple Leaf Investments

Maple Leaf Investments

The Toronto Maple Leafs don't have too many blue chip prospects in their system. The only one of note is 20-year-old Nazem Kadri, selected 7th overall in the 2009 entry draft (yes the Leafs did have a first-round pick that season). But upon his draft, Kadri was too small and not strong enough to roll with the big boys in the NHL, so he was sent back to junior despite having signed an entry level contract with the team. The following season, Kadri came to Leafs camp a little bigger, but didn't exact light up camp or the pre-season. GM Brian Burke was very adamant in saying that Kadri wasn't ready for the NHL, and sent him to the Maple Leafs affiliate in the AHL. The Leafs have recently lost seven straight, and perhaps it's the fear of handing the Boston Bruins another high draft pick, or the vocal distaste of Leafs nation, but apparently Kadri is ready for the NHL. Because on November 12th 2010, he was recalled from the AHL will likely suit up for the Leafs against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night.

Can Kadri Make a Difference?

The Maple Leafs aren't very good right now, particularly at the center ice position. Coach Ron Wilson has been shuffling his lines as much as possible, but some might say it's just like re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. There isn't going to be a quick fix with this Maple Leafs team, but in an attempt to shake things up, Burke is bringing in the only other possible top six talent they have. But can young Kadri make that much of a difference? He has 14 points in 14 games in the AHL so far this season. He didn't start off well but he's slowly come along. Is it the right time to throw him to the wolves? Obviously in the mind of Brian Burke, there really isn't much choice. There's a possibility that Kadri could come in and be a beacon of hope for the wilting Leafs. He could provide some offense, he could spark Phil Kessel out of his slump. He could help turn this thing around. But, he also could look just as overwhelmed as he did in October. He could struggle, and he could garner more criticism from fans and media that frankly isn't deserved. Will he be able to stick as a top six forward on an NHL team?