NHL Trade Rumor: Nazem Kadri hints at Maple Leafs return after GM Brad Treliving’s bold comments

The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to make big changes this summer. On June 7, 2025, general manager Brad Treliving said that the “DNA of the team has to change” after another early playoff exit.

That means more than just small moves in free agency. The Maple Leafs may explore trades to improve the team, especially at center.

Toronto Maple Leafs could bring back Nazem Kadri in surprise summer trade move

On June 6, 2025, NHL insider Jonas Siegel from The Athletic suggested nine players the Maple Leafs should target this offseason. In his article, shared on X (formerly Twitter), Siegel included St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn and Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri among the possible names.

With leadership and playoff experience, strong two-way center Brayden Schenn is a valuable addition. Presently representing the St. Louis Blues, he might be a great match for the Leafs' center lines. Siegel said Toronto requires more depth at center and Schenn could help balance the lineup. Fans are also keeping an eye on Nazem Kadri, who played for the Leafs from 2009 to 2019. In 2022, he signed a seven-year, $49 million agreement with the Calgary Flames.

Kadri is 34 now and still has four years left on his deal. Though trading for him would be difficult, his connection with Toronto Maple Leafs remains strong.Also Read: Veteran Player Brad Marchand Might End Toronto Maple Leafs' Playoff Dilemma—But At What Cost?

Kadri responds to Maple Leafs return talk and Brad Treliving’s past link

Nazem Kadri was asked earlier this year about a possible return to the Maple Leafs. On The Leaf Report Podcast, he said on record, “I mean, who knows? I would definitely not put that out of the equation, for sure.” This quote was shared on X by Leafs Latest in February 2025.Kadri also mentioned how much he still loves the city and the fans. “Everybody knows how I feel about the city and the team, and I’ve got lots of friends there,” he said.Brad Treliving, now the general manager of Toronto, was the one who signed Kadri to that big contract in Calgary when he was the Flames GM. That past connection has sparked more talk that Treliving could bring Kadri back to Toronto if a trade is possible.Other names listed by Siegel included Phillip Danault, William Karlsson, Ryan O’Reilly, JG Pageau, Alex Wennberg, Pavel Zacha, and Mika Zibanejad.