Former Toronto Maple Leafs Fan-Favorite Nazem Kadri Receives Heartbreaking News
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Nazem Kadri was a beloved member of the Toronto Maple Leafs and now, he plays for the Calgary Flames who are a distant rival in the same country he grew up.
When he played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Nazem Kadri was celebrated and for good reason as he was a talented player who could score goals and throw the body around.
The fans here still love him and every chance they get, they try to advocate for the team to bring him back either via trade or free agency.
Right now, Kadri is with the Calgary Flames and unfortunately, he suffered a tragedy this week.
Nazem Kadri remains beloved by Toronto Maple Leafs fans
According to reports out of Calgary, Kadri lost his grandfather this week. Our heart goes out to the Kadri family.
For those who may not know, Kadri was named after his grandfather, who escaped war in Lebanon so his family could have a better life.
In his book 'Dreamer: My Life On The Edge,' Kadri spoke about this sacrifice.
My grandfather's name was Nazem Kadri. He was the Original Gangster. Back in the 1960s, he and my grandmother, Sharfi, left Lebanon with their kids to escape war.
I always appreciated hearing stories like that while I was growing up. My grandparents set an example for us all. It's where a lot of my work ethic comes from.
I always appreciated hearing stories like that while I was growing up. My grandparents set an example for us all. It's where a lot of my work ethic comes from.
He credits his grandfather's decision with his current success as an NHL player.
It's funny how the stars align. A decision made decades ago can change the whole course of your life. My grandfather's move to Canada allowed me to become who I am. Without that move, it's unlikely that I'd ever have found my way to the ice.
[...]
Over the course of my years playing AAA in London, hockey became a central part of our lives. I had tons of support; my whole family would often come to my games.
And my grandfather was always in my corner. I remember him standing right up against the glass, cheering as loudly as anyone. He even used to bribe me with choc- olate bars: every time I scored, I'd get another one. I think he under- stood how much I enjoyed playing. It wouldn't have mattered how good I was, really; he was going to cheer me on no matter what. I don't think he really understood the magnitude of what I could do and where I could go, but he was forever rooting for me. He found joy in seeing all his grandkids pursue their passions.
[...]
Over the course of my years playing AAA in London, hockey became a central part of our lives. I had tons of support; my whole family would often come to my games.
And my grandfather was always in my corner. I remember him standing right up against the glass, cheering as loudly as anyone. He even used to bribe me with choc- olate bars: every time I scored, I'd get another one. I think he under- stood how much I enjoyed playing. It wouldn't have mattered how good I was, really; he was going to cheer me on no matter what. I don't think he really understood the magnitude of what I could do and where I could go, but he was forever rooting for me. He found joy in seeing all his grandkids pursue their passions.
We hope that the Kadri family is getting the support they need during this difficult time.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 4 | 235 ANSWERS Former Toronto Maple Leafs Fan-Favorite Nazem Kadri Receives Heartbreaking News Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs should ever bring back Nazem Kadri? | ||
| YES | 120 | 51.1 % |
| NO | 115 | 48.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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