Calgary Flames News

Kadri is back on the ice this morning after missing Tuesday's game due to a family matter.

Kadri has been moved to the top-line in practice because Tyler Bozak is not on the ice after suffering a lower-body injury versus San Jose on Tuesday. Should Bozak miss an extended period of time, Kadri will likely get a look on the top-line with James van Riemsdyk and Phil Kessel - something that will certainly boost his fantasy value, because he not be great alongside David Clarkson so far.

Nazem Kadri
Set to return from his suspension tomorrow, Kadri is skating with Phil Kessel and James van Riemsdyk.

The Maple Leafs have had a patchwork roster with Kadri, Tyler Bozak and Dave Bolland out, but Kadri's return will stabilize their top-6. The Leafs went 2-1-0 without Kadri. He has five goals and 14 points in 18 games and a spot on the first line should only help him produce even more.

Nazem Kadri
Kadri has been suspended for three games for his hit on Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom on Wednesday.

This is a tough break for the Maple Leafs who lose yet another centre. They are already without Tyler Bozak (hamstring) and Dave Bolland (ankle). He is not eligible to play until next Thursday vs. Nashville.

Nazem Kadri
Nazem Kadri will have a phone hearing this afternoon for the collision with Wild goalie Backstrom.

Kadri was also assessed a match penalty last night for a hit on Mikael Granlund, but the NHL viewed it primarily as a full body hit. Head was not primary point of contact. The penalty on ice fit the crime. We will update if a suspension is handed down.

Nazem Kadri
Nazem Kadri and the Toronto Maple Leafs have agreed to terms on a two-year deal with $5.8 million.

Kadri signs the deal a day before training camp is set to open up. The 22-year-old forward scored 18 goals and added 26 assists (44 points) in 48 games last season. This was Kadri's first full NHL season so a 0.92 points-per-game is likely the reason these contract negotiations lasted so long. He enters the season as the Maple Leafs number 2 center, but will likely be the most valuable fantasy center on this roster.

Nazem Kadri
#Flames centre Mikael Backlund, who has been placed on injured reserve with an MCL sprain. He's out 4 to 6 weeks.

Backlund had 3 G and 1 A to go with a -1 in 8 games this season. He will likely miss the rest of the fantasy year so if you have him he is not worth keeping. Ben Street has been recalled from the AHL to replace Backlund.

Mikael Backlund
Nazem Kadri looks like he's going to get his shot.

The Maple Leafs trade Lombardi yesterday and are going to Waive Connolly today. This leaves the door open for Kadri to make the team and step in and make a difference. Kadri is a talented player so monitor him as the season moves along, if he can score... He's worth a fantasy look.

Nazem Kadri