Nazem Kadri

Nazem Kadri

Kadri at the 2010 World Juniors
Born (1990-10-06) October 6, 1990
London, Ontario, Canada
Height 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight 195[1] lb (88 kg; 13 st 13 lb)
Position Centre
Shoots Left
NHL team Toronto Maple Leafs
National team  Canada
NHL Draft 7th overall, 2009
Toronto Maple Leafs
Playing career 2010present

Nazem Samir Kadri (born October 6, 1990) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He plays currently plays center for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). He is the third Muslim to ever play in the NHL. Drafted by the Maple Leafs seventh overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft made him the first Muslim to be drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs. He played his junior career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with first the Kitchener Rangers and then the London Knights, the former of which he won the J. Ross Robertson Cup with and represented in the 2008 Memorial Cup, ultimately losing in the final to the Spokane Chiefs. Kadri has also represented Canada internationally at the 2010 World Junior Championships, where the team won the silver medal.

Since the 2012–13 season, Kadri has led the league in penalties drawn with 164, 46 more than the second place player, Dustin Brown of the Los Angeles Kings.[2]

Hockey career

Minor

Kadri grew up playing minor hockey for the London Jr. Knights of the MHAO's AAA Pavilion League. He was a key member of MHAO championship teams at the Peewee, Bantam and Minor Midget levels before moving onto the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in 2006–07. He participated in the 2003 All-Ontario Peewee Championships in Markham, Ontario, as well as the 2005 All-Ontario Bantam Championships in Thunder Bay.

Junior

Kadri began his OHL career with the Kitchener Rangers after being selected in the first round, 18th overall, of the 2006 OHL Priority Selection.[3] During his second season in the OHL, he played 68 games, scoring 25 goals and adding 40 assists.[4] During that year's playoffs, Kadri helped the Rangers to an OHL Championship and a berth in the Memorial Cup Final, where they lost to the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League (WHL).[5]

After the 2007–08 season was complete, Kadri was traded by the Rangers to the London Knights, his hometown team, for a package of draft picks.[6] He played in 56 games for the Knights in 2008–09, where he scored 25 goals and added 53 assists.[4] Kadri lost time during the 2008–09 season, however, when he suffered a broken jaw.[7] He was selected to play for Team OHL in the ADT Canada Russia Challenge, but was unable to participate due to jaw injury.[8] Kadri was later invited to Canada's selection camp for the 2009 World Junior Championships, but did not make the final roster.[7] Additionally during the 2008–09 season, Kadri was chosen to play in the OHL All-Star Classic, where he suited up for the Western Conference and scored a goal.[9]

After the OHL season was complete, Kadri was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round, seventh overall, of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.[10] He later signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the club on July 6, 2009.[11]

After being cut from the Maple Leafs, Kadri returned to play for the Knights in the OHL. He was selected to play for Team OHL in the 2009 Subway Super Series (renamed from the ADT Canada Russia Challenge).[12] He was also selected to represent the Western Conference in the 2009–10 OHL All-Star Classic, his second appearance in the league's All-Star Game in as many seasons.[13] On March 30, 2010 Kadri was named the CHL Player of the Week after recording nine points (two goals and seven assists) in three games.[14] The OHL named Kadri the league's Player of the Month for April 2010, a month in which he recorded 26 points (nine goals and 17 assists) in ten games.[15]

Professional

Toronto Maple Leafs

Kadri attended training camp with the Maple Leafs prior to the 2009–10 season. He played in six pre-season games with the club, in which he scored three goals and added two assists. Then-Toronto Head Coach Ron Wilson had said prior to training camp that Kadri would need to be one of the team's top-six forwards to make the club; Kadri was ultimately returned to the Knights prior to the start of the NHL regular season.[16]

Due to injuries to forwards Christian Hanson and Fredrik Sjöström, Kadri was called up to the Maple Leafs under an emergency basis, making his NHL debut on February 8, 2010, against the San Jose Sharks. He did not register any points and finished with a −1 plus-minus rating.[17] This was a one game-only call up, and he subsequently returned to the London Knights following the game. Ron Wilson said he will most likely be with the Leafs in the 2010–11 season, though this was in doubt after comments made by both Wilson and Maple Leafs General Manager Brian Burke during the pre-season, indicating Kadri had not played to the level they expected and is "running out of time" to prove himself.[18] In addition, Burke was traditionally a strong supporter of rookies gaining experience at the American Hockey League (AHL) level prior to NHL careers.[19] Kadri was included in the Maple Leafs' last round of cuts, and was subsequently sent to the American Hockey League (AHL)'s Toronto Marlies for the start of the season. On November 12, however, Kadri was called up by the Maple Leafs, along with fellow prospect Keith Aulie.[20] On November 16, Kadri recorded his first NHL point against the Nashville Predators, assisting on a goal by Kris Versteeg.[21] Two days later, on November 18, Kadri recorded his first multi-point night with two assists in a game against the New Jersey Devils.

On March 19, 2011, Kadri scored his first career NHL goal against goaltender Tim Thomas of the Boston Bruins. He was named to the AHL All-Star Game in 2012. Prior to 2012–13 season, Kadri began training under former NHL player and Maple Leaf Gary Roberts over the summer to gain muscle and "play more explosively."[22] On January 19, 2013, when NHL play resumed after a labour lock-out cancelled much of the first half of the scheduled regular season, Kadri made the starting roster for the Maple Leafs in their season opener against the Montreal Canadiens. He would score the first Maple Leafs goal of the season with a powerplay mark assisted by Phil Kessel against goaltender Carey Price. Kadri finished the game named the game's first star. A month later, in a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Kadri had his first NHL fight with Tampa's Victor Hedman. With the Leafs losing 4–1 late in the game, Hedman delivered a cross-check to the back of Kadri, who then confronted the 6'6 defenceman. Punches were then exchanged before teammates and officials broke up the fight. On February 28, Kadri scored his first career hat-trick in a 5–4 win over the New York Islanders.[23] On March 30, he then scored his second career hat-trick, and second of the season, in a 4–0 win over the Ottawa Senators.[24] He would finish the season with 18 goals and 26 assists, finishing second only to Phil Kessel for the team lead in points and goals. On May 4, Kadri notched his first Stanley Cup playoff point, recording an assist on a goal by Kessel after Kadri sprung him on a breakaway. On May 13, he then scored his first playoff goal against the Boston Bruins in Game 7 during the third period.

On September 11, 2013, Kadri was signed by Toronto to a two-year, $5.8 million contract extension. On November 13, 2013, Kadri delivered an elbow to the head of Minnesota Wild goaltender Niklas Bäckström. As a result, the NHL's Department of Player Safety handed Kadri a three-game suspension.[25]

During the 2013–14 season, his first full 82-game season, Kadri set career highs in goals (20) and points (50).

Kadri was suspended twice during the 2014–15 season, the first internally by the organization for showing up late to a team practice; he received a three-game suspension.[26] One week later, Kadri was suspended again, this time by the NHL itself; he received four games for illegally checking Edmonton Oilers forward Matt Fraser in the head.[27] Despite these setbacks, Kadri would go on to record 39 points in 73 games, leading all Toronto centres in goals. He was subsequently signed to a one-year, $4.1 million deal in the summer.

On April 1, 2016, Kadri was fined $5,000 by the NHL for his second and third diving infractions of the season. The first came March 12 against the Senators and the second March 21 against the Flames.[28] On April 4, 2016, Kadri was again suspended by the NHL after he delivered a cross-check to the head of Detroit Red Wings centre Luke Glendening. Kadri received a four-game suspension for the incident, effectively ending his season, and as a repeat offender under the collective bargaining agreement he was also fined $200,000.[29] Despite these misdemeanors, Kadri's play throughout the season was strongly praised by Leafs managements, most notably head coach Mike Babcock and general manager Lou Lamoriello. On top of this, Kadri was heavily praised for his penalty drawing abilities; although he was always complimented on this skill, it received much more media attention this season, with Kadri setting a league leading best 49 penalties drawn during the season. Additionally, Kadri led the Maple Leafs in various offensive categories, including points (45) and assist (28). In reward for his strong year, Kadri was rewarded with a six-year, $27 million contract on April 13, 2016.[30]

International play


Medal record
Representing  Canada
Ice hockey
World Junior Championships
2010 Saskatoon

Kadri played for Team Ontario at the 2007 Canada Winter Games, where they won a gold medal.[31] He first represented Canada at the 2007 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, where the team finished fourth.[31] Kadri was invited to Canada's selection camp for the 2010 World Junior Championships held in Regina, Saskatchewan. After being cut in 2009, Kadri was selected to represent Canada in 2010.[7] In Canada's preliminary round game against the United States, Kadri was one of the players selected for the shootout, scoring on goaltender Jack Campbell to help Canada secure the victory.[32]

During the tournament, Kadri scored three goals and added five assists.[33] During the tournament, Kadri attracted attention for his refusal to shake hands with Switzerland's Nino Niederreiter after their semi-final game. Kadri did not elaborate on the specifics of what caused his refusal, but did absolve Niederreiter of using an ethnic slur: "Obviously, in big games like that, guys tend to lose their composure a bit, but I didn't take offence to anything he said. It was just that I felt like I didn't have to shake his hand."[34] Kadri later had second thoughts about his refusal, stating, "I regret it a little bit."[35] During the gold medal game against the United States, Kadri had two assists including one on Jordan Eberle's game-tying goal with 1:35 left in the third period.[36] Canada, however, lost the game in overtime, leaving Kadri and his teammates with the silver medal.[36]

Personal life

Kadri began skating when he was two, began playing organized hockey when he was four, and was suiting up for elite level teams when he was six.[37]

Kadri's parents are Sam and Sue, and he has four sisters: Yasmine, Sabrine, Reema and Rayanne. Kadri is named after his grandfather.[31] Sam Kadri moved to Canada when he was four from the small town of Kfar Danis, Lebanon.[38] Nazem is an Arab and Muslim-Canadian, and says he has never run into any issues on the ice with "trash talking" concerning his religious beliefs.[35] Kadri was the first Muslim drafted by the Maple Leafs.[37] In high school, Kadri served as a member of his school's Muslim Student Association.[37] Kadri is the fourth player of Lebanese descent to play in the NHL, following in the footsteps of John Hanna, Alain Nasreddine and Ed Hatoum.[38] He grew up as a Montreal Canadiens fan.

Awards and achievements

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2005–06 London Jr. Knights Min. Midget MHAO 62 49 43 92 82
2006–07 Kitchener Rangers OHL 62 7 15 22 30 9 0 2 2 4
2007–08 Kitchener Rangers OHL 68 25 40 65 57 20 9 17 26 26
2008–09 London Knights OHL 56 25 53 78 31 14 9 12 21 22
2009–10 London Knights OHL 56 35 58 93 105 12 9 18 27 26
2009–10 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 1 0 0 0 0
2010–11 Toronto Marlies AHL 44 17 24 41 62
2010–11 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 29 3 9 12 8
2011–12 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 21 5 2 7 8
2011–12 Toronto Marlies AHL 48 18 22 40 39 11 3 7 10 6
2012–13 Toronto Marlies AHL 27 8 18 26 26
2012–13 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 48 18 26 44 23 7 1 3 4 10
2013–14 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 78 20 30 50 67
2014–15 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 73 18 21 39 28
2015–16 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 76 17 28 45 73
NHL totals 326 81 116 197 207 7 1 3 4 10

International

Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2010 Canada WJC 2nd, silver medalist(s) 635814
2014 Canada WC 5th 80334
Junior totals 6 3 5 8 14
Senior totals 8 0 3 3 4

References

  1. "Nazem Kadri Stats and News".
  2. "Drawing penalties an 'underrated' skill in today's NHL". TSN. March 21, 2016. Retrieved April 16, 2016.
  3. "OHL Priority Selection process conducted on Saturday". Canoe, Inc. 2006-05-06. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
  4. 1 2 "Kadri, Nazem – NHL.com – NHL Entry Draft Prospect Profiles". National Hockey League. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
  5. "Memorial Cup". Hockey Hall of Fame. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
  6. "London Knights complete trade for Nazem Kadri". Soo Today. 2008-06-03. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
  7. 1 2 3 "Opportunity knocks for Kadri". 2009-12-17. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
  8. "2009 NHL Entry Draft Profile: Nazem Kadri". Ontario Hockey League. 2009-06-24. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
  9. "Nazem Kadri (C) – London Knights". Ontario Hockey League. Retrieved 2010-01-21.
  10. "NHL Entry Draft". National Hockey League. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
  11. "Leafs ink first-rounder Kadri to entry level deal". TSN. 2009-07-06. Retrieved 2010-01-18.
  12. "Subway Series Roster Announced". Peterborough Petes. 2009-10-28. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
  13. "Ontario Hockey League Announces Rosters for the 2010 OHL All-Star Classic". Ontario Hockey League. 2010-01-13. Archived from the original on January 17, 2010. Retrieved 2010-01-21.
  14. "London Knights forward Nazem Kadri wins CHL Player of the Week Award". The Canadian Press. 2010-03-30. Retrieved 2010-04-09.
  15. "Kadri named OHL player of the month". TSN.ca. 2010-04-01. Retrieved 2010-04-09.
  16. James, Peter (2009-09-27). "Kostitsyn, Kadri among those sent packing from NHL camps". CanWest News Service. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
  17. "Leafs call up Kadri". Toronto: The Globe and Mail. 2010-02-08. Retrieved 2010-02-08.
  18. http://www.nationalpost.com/Burke+Kadri+ready+contribute/3582553/story.html
  19. McGran, Kevin (2010-09-26). "Leafs' Nazem Kadri under pressure to perform and build bridges". The Star. Toronto.
  20. Mirtle, James (2010-11-12). "With Leafs in freefall, Kadri called into action". The Globe and Mail. Toronto.
  21. http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2010/11/16/predators_leafs/
  22. Brophy, Mike. "BROPHY ON LEAFS: KADRI GOOD OPTION FOR CENTRE". Sportsnet. Retrieved July 12, 2012.
  23. http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=417065
  24. http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8475172&view=log#&navid=nhl-keymatch
  25. http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=691567
  26. "Leafs' Kadri 'embarrassed' by extended suspension". NHL. March 13, 2015. Retrieved April 11, 2015.
  27. "Kadri suspended four games for illegal check". NHL. March 18, 2015. Retrieved April 11, 2015.
  28. Kadri's season ends with whirlwind few weeks http://www.tsn.ca/kadri-s-season-ends-with-whirlwind-few-weeks-1.464496
  29. Leafs' Kadri handed four-game suspension http://www.tsn.ca/leafs-kadri-handed-four-game-suspension-1.464325
  30. "Leafs lock up Kadri, Rielly to six-year deals". TSN. April 13, 2016. Retrieved April 16, 2016.
  31. 1 2 3 "Player Profile Nazem Kadri". Hockey Canada. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
  32. Fisher, Scott (2010-01-01). "Shootouts not for faint of heart". Toronto Sun. Retrieved 2010-01-21.
  33. "2010 Team Canada Stats". TSN. Retrieved 2010-01-18.
  34. Beacon, Bill and Donna Spencer (2010-01-04). "Canada's Kadri stays quiet on refusal to shake Niederreiter's hand". The Canadian Press. Retrieved 2010-01-18.
  35. 1 2 Sekeres, Matthew (2010-01-04). "Kadri regrets reactions to Swiss". Toronto: The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2010-01-18.
  36. 1 2 "U.S. CAPTURES GOLD AT JUNIOR HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP WITH 6–5 OT WIN OVER CANADA". The Canadian Press. 2010-01-05. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
  37. 1 2 3 McGran, Kevin (2009-06-27). "Maple Leafs get role model". Toronto Star. Retrieved 2010-01-18.
  38. 1 2 Kimelman, Adam (2009-06-16). "Kadri's background as unique as his skill". National Hockey League. Retrieved 2010-01-18.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by
Luke Schenn
Toronto Maple Leafs first round draft pick
2009
Succeeded by
Tyler Biggs
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