BertCorbeau
F*ck cancer - RIP Fugu and Buffaloed
I'd have zero problem giving Kadri a 3-4 year extension. I don't think the Leafs would have an issue with that either. Maybe 5 years if the cap is right.
Babcock has liked Kadri and has played him a lot over the last few weeks. He's creating a lot of chances. He's played a far better 200 foot game. Better on faceoffs as well. All the little things people kept giving him crap for.
I don't disagree that this is a result business and so far and his offensive numbers haven't been good at all, but I think we can all agree that he's been very good despite that. I'd be pretty surprised if he doesn't get really hot soon and catches up to a solid stat line.
I'm not sure I'd extend him quite yet .. But he's doing everything asides from actually producing on the scoresheet right, so there'd be some consideration.
Worth noting that something different about this year is that with Kessel gone, Kadri faces tougher competition in terms of lines and d pairings he matches up with. I give him credit for being able to create chances and play at both ends of the rink.
But he still has to start producing a little more.
I'd look at a 2-3 year extension on around ~$4.5 right now. Gives him a shorter term to still earn a big pay day, and allows the Leafs to at the very least have another stop gap while Nylander/Marner and the other kids break into the NHL (I'm of the opinion that Bozak should be sold high this year if he keeps it up, but that's another topic) .. As those ELC's expire Kadri's salary could be moved off the books.