Kadri: Trade to Colorado was a 'blessing in disguise'

Colorado Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri will suit up against his former team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, for the first time on Saturday night in Denver.

Kadri was the centerpiece of a July 1 trade that sent defenseman Tyson Barrie and forward Alexander Kerfoot to Toronto. The 29-year-old center reflected on the summer blockbuster ahead of Saturday's matchup.

"When it happened, at first, I was a little bit bitter," Kadri told TSN's Mark Masters. "But as time goes on, time heals all ... I think ending up in Denver was a blessing in disguise."

Kadri was initially dealt to the Calgary Flames, but he nixed the swap using his 10-team no-trade list. He was insistent on remaining a Maple Leaf, but the club went outside of his list to trade him to Colorado.

Kadri was asked if he wonders why the Leafs traded him.

"A little bit," he said. "I mean, with the suspensions it was obviously maybe an option, but it was indicated to me that they weren't trying to shop me around so I was expecting to suit up as a Leaf this year."

Kadri was suspended back-to-back years in the playoffs against the Boston Bruins. In 2018 he hit a defenseless Tommy Wingels from behind and in 2019 he cross-checked Jake DeBrusk in the face.

He may not have wanted to leave Toronto, but Kadri is now playing an increased role on one of the league's most talented teams.

Kadri's ice time dipped to 16:11 per game last season after the addition of John Tavares - his lowest since 2012-13. However, with the Avs, he's back playing as a No. 2 center behind Nathan MacKinnon, averaging nearly 18 minutes per game. He's on pace for over 25 goals and 55 points.