Nazem Kadri struggling with Toronto Maple Leafs
Kadri is under a lot of pressure. There is a growing chorus of critics who are beginning to lose faith in the first round draft pick. First it was Maple Leaf general manager Brian Burke who came out against Kadri. Burke said that the young forward was running
out of time to prove himself worthy of the NHL. So far Kadri has no points to his credit, no assists and nothing else that warrants keeping him on.
Kadri is on thin ice and losing support fast. Lately Ron Wilson, Leafs Head Coach, has effectively warned Kadri to get his act together. Wilson said that Kadri had more than enough opportunities to make an impression but he failed to do so. “He's got to
realize the situation he's in and get the job done, not talk his way out of how's he's played up to this point. He's got to actually do it,” Wilson said.
Those are very strong words and Kadri should take them as a warning. On Wednesday he needs a miracle or he would be going down to the AHL in all likelihood. “The game in Ottawa will probably give a bunch of guys who aren't playing tonight an opportunity
-- maybe their last opportunity --to make an impression,” Wilson said. This week Toronto bid farewell to 30 players already and they would make more roster cuts before the regular season.
Kadri’s fate has taken quite a turn. Initially he was slated to be the number two for Toronto but now he is struggling even to make the team. Toronto has been a graveyard for first round draft picks. Kadri wouldn’t be the first or the last one to burn out
with the Leafs. It’s ridiculous to think a 19 years old is already running out of time but that is the nature of the beast known as the NHL. It’s merciless without exception.
The expectation from Kadri were too high to begin with. Not that his performance was even marginally good but the pressure on his was a little on the ‘too much to bear’ side and its only worse now. The already struggling youngster might just crack. If that
happens, it would indeed be a loss for the NHL. Kadri is a talented teenager. Someone who can be groomed into an excellent player is being left behind in the dust. “He’s not played anywhere near to what we had hoped for or expected,” Burke said. “I don’t know
why that is.” Burke should make a little effort to find out because at this rate they would lose out on a fine young player who could be the mainstay of the Leafs in later years.
It certainly isn’t that Kadri lacks the talent. He just needs to find his stride. 93 points season in the OHL is no small feat and Nazem has what it takes to be in the big league. Former Leafs first round draft pick Russ Coutnall might be one of the few
people who knows what Kadri is going through. He said that Kadri must have incredible confidence in himself if he is to prevail in the NHL.
Frankly the AHL won’t be that bad for the youngster. The experience would benefit him, prepare him for the trials that face young players in the NHL. Burke in fact himself said that he actually prefers the Idea of players spending time in the AHL first.
Perhaps the pressure being put on him is part of Burke and Wilson’s plan. He needs mental fitness more than physical. His game is up to the mark but he needs to stay composed to reach his full potential. There is no questioning his potential at least.
His OHL coach, Dale Hunter, still has faith in Kadri’s ability. “When he was here, he did everything we asked of him,” Hunter said. “But he’s with the Toronto Maple Leafs now. It’s a different level. Things are different.” If he wants to survive in the NHL,
Kadri must adapt to the changes.
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