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Rustling Leafs? Report says Toronto’s put Kadri in play

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Could Nazem Kadri’s time in Toronto soon be up?

It’s possible, according to a new report.

Sources of Sportsnet’s Nick Kyperos claim Leafs GM Dave Nonis has put Kadri in play for any potential deal:

In wake of Carlyle rant this morning 2 #NHL clubs have confirmed for me #Leafs have made Kadri available in any trade discussion.

— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) December 30, 2013


Kadri, 23, has struggled this year after a breakout ’13 campaign that saw him score 44 points in 48 games. While his offensive production hasn’t completely plummeted -- he has 11 goals and 23 points through 37 games -- Kadri’s two-way game and defensive play (or, lack thereof) have come under scrutiny, most notably by head coach Randy Carlyle.Today, Carlyle ripped Kadri and linemates Joffrey Lupul and Mason Raymond:

Randy Carlyle feels line of Lupul, Raymond and Kadri has to improve. “In my mind they’re playing to a fraction of where they really can be.”

— Jonas Siegel (@jonasTSN1050) December 30, 2013

Carlyle said Kadri needs to take another step. “We feel if Peter Holland continues to play he’s going to challenge [Kadri] for that spot.”

— Jonas Siegel (@jonasTSN1050) December 30, 2013


Holland -- who, like Kadri, is a 23-year-old center -- was acquired from Anaheim earlier this season and has looked good since moving east, scoring nine points in 19 games while posting a plus-1 rating for the Leafs.

It’ll be interesting to see if Toronto does move Kadri, currently in the first of a two-year, $5.8 million deal signed in September, a deal that featured somewhat acrimonious negotiations.

“The deal is fair for both sides,” Kadri told reporters after the ink dried, per NHL.com. “It was more difficult than I thought. I’m very relieved I have a contract.”