The Toronto Maple Leafs have selected Nazem Kadri with the 7th overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
From Hockey's Future:
History
2006-07: This was Kadri's rookie season with the Kitchener Rangers (OHL). In 62 games, the center recorded 22 points (7g+15a), adding another two assists in nine playoff games.
2007-08: Kadri improved on his numbers from last season, netting 25 goals and another 40 assists in 68 games with Kitchener (OHL). He excelled in the postseason as well, recording 26 points (9g+17a) in 20 playoff games.
2008-09: Kadri was traded to the London Knights, netting 25 goals and 78 points in 56 games for that club. He put up another 21 points (9g+12a) in 14 playoff games. Scored a goal for the West at the OHL All-Star Classic. Appeared in the 2009 CHL Top Prospects Game.
Talent Analysis
Once projected as a sure-fire top-10 selection, Kadri's draft status dropped significantly during the regular season, but began to climb back with a strong playoff performance. Offensively gifted and showing a greater appreciation for the defensive side of his game, Kadri could be a wild card in this draft. Teams picking in the latter-half of the lottery may look to scoop him up based on his offensive potential. However, he could just as easily slide into the high teens, early 20s based upon questionable scouting and combine results.
It's fitting the Leafs would draft a player with Lebanese ancestry during Pride weekend. (joke removed b/c it sucked) Welcome to the microscope, Nazem. Henceforth you shall be known as Nazem the Dream.
