The Leafs forward concluded the evening scoring his fourth-career hat trick - and first on home ice - to go along with two assists in the team's 6-3 win.
For Kadri, the offensive outburst is just the latest in a blistering streak that has seen him put up seven goals and 14 points in his last 10 games.
The catalyst for the sudden surge in offense appears to be the result of playing alongside linemates Mitch Marner and Marleau. Over the last 10 games the two have combined for 34 points.
The streak also comes off the back of a terrible midseason slump that Kadri looks to have put in the rearview mirror. Prior to his current 10-game stretch, Kadri had gone 20 games - between Dec. 2 and Jan. 22 - with just one goal (scored on a redirect off his skate) and two points.
Thanks to Wednesday night's onslaught, Kadri has now hit the 20-goal mark for the third time in his career. And with 39 points on the season, he looks to be on his way to surpassing the 50-point mark for the third time.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are putting pucks on net at a rate unseen in modern NHL history.
In firing 57 shots on goal during Wednesday's loss to Toronto, the Blue Jackets became the first team in the expansion era (since 1967-68) to record at least 50 shots in three consecutive games.
That feat has been achieved only once before:
The @BlueJacketsNHL joined the 1955-56 Blackhawks (Oct. 9 vs. TOR: 51, Oct. 15 vs. DET: 54 and Oct. 16, 1955 vs. MTL: 51) as the only teams in NHL history to record at least 50 shots on goal in three consecutive games. #NHLStats#CBJvsTORpic.twitter.com/wp8n2fle17
Prior to this one, Columbus recorded 51 shots in a 4-1 win over the Islanders and 50 in a 6-1 win over New Jersey. This time around, however, luck was not on their side, as the Blue Jackets lost 6-3 to the Maple Leafs.
They could have had much more than 57, even, with a total of 91 shot attempts recorded in the loss, per Hockey Stats.
That amounts to 158 shots in three games, none of which required overtime.
"He's got some kind of spasm and he couldn't get it to relax so they wouldn't let him come back," said Babcock. "They knew he had, but he thought he was fine and then when he got out there he wasn't fine."
Gardiner did not come out for the second period after being limited to just six shifts and left with nearly nine minutes to play in the first period, according to TSN's Kristen Shilton.
The 27-year-old currently leads the team in ice time, playing 22:52 per night, while pacing all Maple Leafs blue-liners with 35 points in 59 games.
The team's president appeared on TSN1050 in Toronto on Thursday and expressed extreme confidence in being able to lock up the star defenseman, who can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2019.
"No, there’s never even a question in our mind - Drew’s going to be a King and he’s going to be with us," Robitaille said. "He’s a very special player. He plays with an extreme amount of passion. He’s one of those guys that, you know, he found a way that whether he gets a goal or not, he plays the game so well at both ends. He’s definitely, for us, the best defenseman in the league in his own end, and I’m not even talking about what he does offensively."
Robitaille understands Doughty's worth and seems intent on doing whatever it takes to retain the Stanley Cup and Norris Trophy winner.
"He’s one of those very special players. We wouldn’t be where we’re at today without him and we know we can’t have success without him. So in our mind, he’s with us. He’s going to stay with us. We’ll figure out a way."
Doughty carries a cap hit of $7 million through to the end of next season, while Subban's $9-million cap hit ranks the highest among all defensemen.
With the team outside the playoff picture and with the long-term future of captain John Tavares up in the air, a gofundme page has been established to raise money for a public message about general manager Garth Snow.
Help us send a message and tell ownership that "SNOW MUST GO" on a poster board within a half mile of the Barclays Center. #SnowMustGo#Isles
"It's time to send a clear message to Islanders owners Jon Ledecky and Scott Malkin," the campaign managers wrote. "Fans will no longer tolerate the culture of losing surrounding this franchise. Help us send a message and tell ownership that 'SNOW MUST GO' on a poster board within a half-mile of the Barclays Center."
The board costs $2,500 for four weeks, with additional charges for printing and materials. Less than a day into the campaign, $2,958 had been raised, with a goal of Feb. 26 set for the board's unveiling.
Snow has been on the job since 2006, and the Islanders have been to the playoffs four times in the past 12 years, advancing no further than the second round, and that just a single time.
The Columbus Blue Jackets forward was ready with a well-timed - albeit slightly inappropriate - one-liner after the scoreboard at Toronto's Air Canada Centre got jammed not far from ice level before Wednesday's game between the Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets.
Here was the scene less than two hours before puck drop:
Scoreboard at Air Canada Centre still not in the optimal position for that hockey game that’s supposed to be happening in 90 minutes pic.twitter.com/5uDvSz9BnW
"We're going to be doing a lot of things to make sure we can field as competitive a team as we can," Dorion said Wednesday, per Callum Fraser of NHL.com. "Whether it's in the near future or whatever future you want to look at, but this is an exciting time, I think for our fans, because we know we're going to do some good things, for the organization we'll do some good things. And we're looking forward to it."
Dorion said he spoke to several of his counterparts following the Phaneuf trade, which also saw Nate Thompson shipped out in exchange for Marian Gaborik and Nick Shore. Not surprisingly, the GM added he's only open to a "good hockey deal" that makes sense in terms of Ottawa's short- and long-term goals.
"Obviously, we'd like to compete for the playoffs next year, there's no doubt about that. But at the same time, we want to have a team here that will be able to compete every year for the playoffs," he said.
Dorion also reiterated the team's first and foremost priority is to sign Erik Karlsson, who lamented the Phaneuf deal in a couple of tweets Tuesday night.
When you factor in Nate Thompson's and Nick Shore's salaries as part of the trade, the Sens saved just $1.075 million in immediate cap space. On the surface, that doesn't seem worth it at all, considering Phaneuf is still a solid top-four defenseman, while Gaborik can't seem to stay on the ice, playing in just 63 percent of his team's games over the past six seasons.
That means Tuesday's trade should simply be the first domino to fall for Ottawa, and should lead to a flurry of moves and key decisions. Here's what the Senators must do next to justify the Phaneuf-for-Gaborik deal:
1. Give Chabot 20-plus minutes per night
With Phaneuf out of the picture, there's no reason 21-year-old Thomas Chabot shouldn't be logging 20-plus minutes every night. Right now he's averaging less than 16 minutes per game, and that's not helping his development.
Everything the Senators do from here on out must be geared toward next season, and that begins with giving Chabot valuable in-game experience.
2. Trade Brassard, Smith before deadline
Derick Brassard is a solid player, but he's not performing to the level of his $5-million cap hit. Still, he has 15 goals and 16 assists, so the Sens could probably get a nice return for one of the few centers available on the open market, especially considering Brassard has another year left on his deal.
Moving him would create more ice time for rookie forward Colin White, who could take on an even larger role next season. The Sens also have another center in Logan Brown - the 11th overall pick in the 2016 draft - coming through the pipeline.
Zack Smith, on the other hand, has a cap hit of $3.25 million through 2020-21 - something the Sens can't afford. Though he's struggled this year, Smith scored 41 goals across the previous two seasons, so a team with cap room looking to make a minor deadline splash - perhaps the Vegas Golden Knights - could probably take on the versatile, gritty forward for a late-round pick.
3. Buy out Gaborik, shed Burrows' contract
Thanks to his signing bonus, buying out Phaneuf would've costed a fortune, but with Gaborik, it's not nearly as bad. Here's the breakdown, courtesy of Cap Friendly:
Season
Buyout cap hit
2018-19
$1.5M
2019-20
$2.9M
2020-21
$3M
2021-22
$1.2M
2022-23
$1.2M
2023-24
$1.2M
While the 2019-20 and 2020-21 numbers aren't ideal, this buyout would be much more tolerable than getting minimal production out of Gaborik for 50 games a year at an annual cost of $4.875 million.
As for Alex Burrows, he has a $2.5-million cap hit through next season, but buying him out would be pointless. Since the Sens can't afford to pay that money to a fourth-line player next season, and since they don't have the financial resources to bury him in the AHL, they'll have to get creative.
That means finding a wealthy team looking to rebuild, such as the New York Rangers. A club in New York's situation would likely be willing to take on Burrows' contract for one year in exchange for a mid-round draft pick or a mid-level prospect.
4. Sign Stone long term
The Sens would then need to use the money saved from the aforementioned moves to lock up Mark Stone long term. Scheduled to be a restricted free agent this offseason, Stone is one of the most underrated two-way forwards in the NHL. He's been a point-per-game player this season and is annually among the league leaders in takeaways.
A six-year extension in the neighborhood of $6 million to $7 million per season seems realistic for Stone, who will turn 26 on July 1. For comparison, Boston Bruins phenom David Pastrnak, who put up 70 points last season and is only 21 years old, signed for six years at $6.6 million per season. Let's give Stone a $7-million cap hit just to be safe.
5. Extend Karlsson
Last, but certainly not least, the Sens need to use the freed-up money to ink the face of their franchise, Erik Karlsson, to a long-term deal. They can do so as early as July 1.
Karlsson has been on the record stating he isn't interested in giving a hometown discount, so Ottawa will have to pony up. P.K. Subban is currently the league's highest-paid defenseman with a $9-million average annual value, so $10 million for Karlsson at seven or eight years seems realistic.
The end result?
With all the above moves factored in, here's the projected lineup for the 2018-19 Senators, which still clearly has some holes:
LW
C
RW
Mike Hoffman ($5.1875M)
Matt Duchene ($6M)
Mark Stone ($7M)*
Ryan Dzingel ($1.8M)
Bobby Ryan ($7.25M)
J.G. Pageau ($3.1M)
Colin White ($0.925M)
Tom Pyatt ($1.1M)
Logan Brown ($0.895M)
LD
RD
Thomas Chabot ($0.863M)
Erik Karlsson ($6.5M)
Fredrik Claesson ($0.9M)*
Cody Ceci ($3M)*
Mark Borowiecki ($1.2M)
Chris Wideman ($1.5M)*
Ben Harpur ($0.725M)
G
Craig Anderson ($4.275M)
Mike Condon ($2.4M)
* Projected 2018-19 cap hit
This projected lineup adds up to $57.8705 million (including buyouts and retained salary), giving Ottawa roughly $20 million in space for the 2018-19 season, assuming the salary cap continues to climb modestly. The Senators would also have to be weary of Karlsson's projected $3.5-million raise for the 2019-2020 campaign.
Additionally, this lineup doesn't include any potential return the Senators would receive for Brassard, nor does it include the player they'll select with their first-round draft pick in the offseason. That player could very well be Rasmus Dahlin if Ottawa wins the lottery, but even if it doesn't, a top-five pick of a winger - such as Andrei Svechnikov, Filip Zadina, or Brady Tkachuk - could make an impact from Day 1.
If the Senators spend their newly found cap room wisely - you could make arguments for needing upgrades up front, on the back end, and in net - they could very well return to the playoffs next year with a little luck. And considering the Colorado Avalanche will likely have Ottawa's first-round pick in 2019, being competitive next season will be integral.
Regardless of the outcome, the Feb. 26 trade deadline is sure to be one of the most-watched dates on the NHL calendar.
As teams jockey for playoff position, front offices carefully weigh every potential deal, knowing the right player could be the difference between springtime hockey or early nights on the dock.
A number of top trade targets could be on the move in the coming weeks. Here are the main advantages and disadvantages attached to acquiring five of the most talked-about names.
Max Pacioretty
Pros: Top-six forward. Genuine 30-goal threat. Extra year of control.
Cons: Streaky scorer. Questionable leadership skills. Lack of physicality.
2017-18 stats:
Games
Goals
Assists
TOI
GWG
CF%
S%
55
16
17
19:10
4
53.3
8.1
Arguably the biggest fish in the trade-deadline pond, Pacioretty's appeal to potential suitors is quite obvious: The Canadiens captain is a perennial 30-goal man with a lightning-fast release.
As Montreal languishes near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, the likelihood of Patches getting shipped out of la belle province increases with each Canadiens loss.
However, he hasn't scored in six straight games and he's on pace for one of the worst offensive campaigns of his career, so Montreal might be having more trouble than the club initially expected with securing an acceptable return.
Regardless, the 29-year-old American has the kind of size and skill that could put any competing club over the top.
Patrick Maroon
Pros: Rugged winger with exceptional size. Can contribute offensively. Adds toughness.
Another guy who's recently struggled to fill the scoresheet, Maroon has only one goal in his last eight games. But a player of his pedigree is attractive even when he's lighting the lamp less frequently.
At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, Maroon is a perfect fit for a team looking to get bigger and tougher up front. The 29-year-old has also showed his softer side since joining the Oilers at the deadline in 2016, notching 41 goals in 134 games.
Playing on Connor McDavid's wing over the past season and a half has obviously boosted Maroon's offensive output, but he can chip in with a timely goal or assist regardless of his linemates.
A character guy who brings an element of truculence and scoring, Maroon's services are likely being courted by more than a few general mangers.
Thomas Vanek
Pros: Playoff experience. Affordable. Big shot. Depth scoring.
Cons: Weak possession player. Defensive liability. Slow-footed.
2017-18 stats:
Games
Goals
Assists
TOI
GWG
CF%
S%
56
16
22
13:58
1
44.6
14.8
Rumored to be moved at seemingly every trade deadline, Vanek's days as an elite sniper are behind him. But the 34-year-old winger can still produce, and he's proved it this year in a bottom-six role for the Canucks - despite getting limited minutes with offensively challenged players such as Sam Gagner and Alex Burmistrov, or with the aging Sedins.
A seasoned veteran with a propensity to put up points in the playoffs (20 goals, 14 assists in 63 games), Vanek would make a solid addition to any postseason-bound squad looking for a rental with some pop left in his stick.
It's happened before and it is likely to happen again: Vanek should be rocking yet another jersey before the end of February.
Evander Kane
Pros: Top-line potential. Elite skater. Plays with aggressive edge. Pure scorer.
Fans are probably well aware that the Sabres have been heavily shopping Kane for at least a month. Given Kane's pending unrestricted free agency and the fact he hasn't even discussed a new contract, expect the speedy forward to be on the move in the coming days.
Though there are concerns about his attitude and his history of locker-room issues, Kane would make an excellent deadline addition to any team seriously vying for the coveted silver chalice. Size, speed, shot, skill - Kane has it all, and he is only 26.
The main reason he hasn't been dealt is likely Buffalo's asking price. The Sabres were previously reported to be looking for at least a first-round draft pick and a prospect, according to freelance reporter Chris Nichols.
If a potential trade partner could muster up the courage (or desperation) to sacrifice that amount of future talent for a rental player, Kane is a game-changer that could catapult a team from pretender to playoff contender overnight.
Mike Green
Pros: Power-play quarterback. Excellent skater. Consistent point producer.
Cons: Injury concerns. Prone to defensive lapses.
2017-18 stats:
Games
Goals
Assists
TOI
GWG
CF%
S%
55
6
23
22:21
0
47.7
5.4
A locker-room leader with 76 games of postseason experience, Green is the most sought-after rearguard on the trade market.
Despite signing with the offensively challenged Red Wings in 2015, Green's reputation as a power-play specialist who can rack up points with the best of them hasn't suffered - he's on pace for his fifth consecutive 35-plus-point season.
He can log heavy minutes, play special teams, and contribute offensively.
If can avoid the D-zone breakdowns he's liable to occasionally commit, Green is just the type of blue-liner that can address a playoff team's defensive needs.
Benning is the 11th GM in Canucks history and has held the position in Vancouver since May of 2014.
"I'm grateful to the Aquilini family and to Trevor Linden for the commitment they've made to me and for their confidence in our long-term vision for the Vancouver Canucks," Benning said in a team release.
"I'm excited about the direction of our team and the depth and talent we continue to build. I believe we are on the right track and I am pleased to continue the work we started four years ago when we set out to build a championship team."
Before joining the Canucks' front office, Benning served as assistant GM with the Boston Bruins for seven seasons, winning a Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2011.
