Kukla's Korner Hockey
Kadri Struggling
by Paul on 09/24/10 at 09:57 AM ET
Comments (3)
from Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun,
In less than a week, Nazem Kadri has gone from the hot story of Maple Leafs training camp to its most burning question.
Even with coach Ron Wilson openly calling him out again on Thursday, Kadri failed to make a mark, this time at his hometown rink, the John Labatt Centre, where he was a star with the London Knights the past two seasons.
The result of the continued flat play was a third-period demotion off the line he has skated with all camp thus far—prized off-season acquisitions Colby Armstrong and Kris Versteeg—to what looked like an all-Marlies unit between wingers Marcel Mueller and Darryl Boyce.
With Tyler Bozak, Mikhail Grabovski, Christian Hanson and John Mitchell all in the fight for centre spots, Kadri has been less effective than all of hem.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Toronto Maple Leafs, | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: nazem+kadri
Comments
From Orst :
Still, I can’t stand Wilson or any coach that calls players out in the media. It’s unprofessional and simply not necessary when dealing with grown men or kids aspiring to become men.
Normally I agree Orst. Calling out your players usually shows a lack of tact. In this case though, I’m not so sure Wilson is doing calling out Kadri to affect his attitude. He did that when he demoted him in the game.
Wilson calling out Kadri to our lovely Leafs-media is probably more a shot at the media. This kid is so hyped up, and is just clearly NOT ready to play top minutes yet. He will be more suited playing 20-25 minutes a game for the Marlies, and honing his skill. I do believe that he needs a bit more maturity to play with the men also.
I guess the bottom line is that Kadri is not going to make or break our Leafs this year. That’s falling on Phaneuf, Kessel & Komisarek. Let him mature before we destroy the potential of yet another young kid. 
Posted by 41 Long Ones from Edmonton on 09/24/10 at 12:28 PM ET
Good point, and a generous reading of Wilson’s intentions. I’ll agree with you now but reserve my right to think Wilson is the same idiot he was in SJ. 
Posted by Osrt on 09/24/10 at 12:33 PM ET
Add a Comment
Please limit embedded image or media size to 575 pixels wide.
Add your own avatar by joining Kukla's Korner, or logging in and uploading one in your member control panel.
Captchas bug you? Join KK or log in and you won't have to bother.
Most Recent Blog Posts
Only Ottawa Cheering For Ottawa
Two Eastern Conference Playoff Games On The NHL Schedule Today
Once Again, The Bigger Ice Debate
Hockey Talks On A Sunday Morning
Quick Could Face League Discipline
How About Some New Rules And Torres Talk Too
Sharks’ OT win avoids 3-0 deficit, aggravates Kings, Jonathan Quick
About Kukla's Korner Hockey
Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.
From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.
Email Paul anytime at pk@kuklaskorner.com
He looked terrible from what little I saw of the game last night. He couldn’t score on a cross-crease feed and the guy who fed him virtually stick-handled around him to pass to another player.
Flat-footed and disinterested would be my descriptions.
Still, I can’t stand Wilson or any coach that calls players out in the media. It’s unprofessional and simply not necessary when dealing with grown men or kids aspiring to become men.
Posted by Osrt on 09/24/10 at 11:18 AM ET