Nazem Kadri hated to leave Toronto, but ready to show “my best years have yet to come” with Avs

Just got off another conference call, the third in two days. Us media folk got to grab about 15 minutes of quality time with new Avalanche member Nazem Kadri, traded to Colorado Monday night in a blockbuster that sent Tyson Barrie and Alexander Kerfoot to the Maple Leafs.

You could definitely tell that Kadri – a member of the Leafs organ-i-zation since 2010 – was still getting over the shock of being dealt from the only team he’s ever known. Add in the fact that he’s from London, Ontario, and it’s perfectly understandable how Monday was a tough day for him.

“If I was able to do that, it would take up too much of your time,” said Kadri, when asked what it meant for him to be a Maple Leaf and live in Toronto. “It was a great decade for me, and it feels weird to say that. Toronto is always going to be a special place in my heart. But it’s just one of those things where business was a part of it and I certainly understand that. I’ll forever be grateful, but now I’m movin’ on.”

When it came time to talk about his new team and his new city, Kadri’s tone started to sound more upbeat again.