Nazem Kadri Drafted by the Maple Leafs

Published June 26, 2009 @ 20:10 in Toronto Maple Leafs

Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs have selected Nazem Kadri with the 7th overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

History

2006-07: This was Kadri's rookie season with the Kitchener Rangers (OHL). In 62 games, the center recorded 22 points (7g+15a), adding another two assists in nine playoff games.

2007-08: Kadri improved on his numbers from last season, netting 25 goals and another 40 assists in 68 games with Kitchener (OHL). He excelled in the postseason as well, recording 26 points (9g+17a) in 20 playoff games.

2008-09: Kadri was traded to the London Knights, netting 25 goals and 78 points in 56 games for that club. He put up another 21 points (9g+12a) in 14 playoff games. Scored a goal for the West at the OHL All-Star Classic. Appeared in the 2009 CHL Top Prospects Game.

Talent Analysis

Once projected as a sure-fire top-10 selection, Kadri's draft status dropped significantly during the regular season, but began to climb back with a strong playoff performance. Offensively gifted and showing a greater appreciation for the defensive side of his game, Kadri could be a wild card in this draft. Teams picking in the latter-half of the lottery may look to scoop him up based on his offensive potential. However, he could just as easily slide into the high teens, early 20s based upon questionable scouting and combine results.

~~It's fitting the Leafs would draft a player with Lebanese ancestry during Pride weekend.~~ (joke removed b/c it sucked) Welcome to the microscope, Nazem. Henceforth you shall be known as Nazem the Dream.

8 Responses to "Nazem Kadri Drafted by the Maple Leafs"

T.O. Dude
June 26, 2009 / 22:14

"It's fitting the Leafs would draft a player with Lebanese ancestry during Pride weekend."

Hey Mike, just wondering what you meant by this comment?

Toronto Mike
June 26, 2009 / 22:18

In hindsight, it's a weak joke, but I was linking the word Lebanese with Lesbian in Champ-like fashion.

Too much of a stretch?

Toronto Mike
June 26, 2009 / 22:23

Weak jokes aside, I'd like to go on the record with my disappointment Burke did Jack Shit today.

It ain't over, but if all we were going to do was draft 7th overall, I could have handled that. Brian Burke is not required.

And for weeks I've been telling anyone who would listen that we were going to trade up to get the young Jedi's brother, and we didn't. Now I look like a fool, again.

elvis
June 26, 2009 / 22:26

Yah dude, the joke didn't make any sense at all.

It could have worked if he was from Duke but you said Dyke instead...

Fredericton Steve
June 27, 2009 / 00:38

Not the guy I would have taken @ 7 but from all reports he will be a fine player.

brad
June 27, 2009 / 15:42

best muslim leaf of all-time

Anonymous
June 28, 2009 / 17:36

Muslim huh?

Toronto Mike
June 28, 2009 / 17:38

I believe in the separation of church and skate.