Nazem Kadri is linked to the Maple Leafs division rival

�If we're to believe the notion that Kadri is waiting for a team to clear space for his arrival, then the Bruins have to remain on the radar because he's a potential fit as a center and a perfect fit as a pain in the posterior.

Patrice Bergeron's return to the team would slot him at the No. 1 center spot. The Bruins have had discussions with David Krejci about a return to the club, one season after he left to play in the Czech Extraliga. Then there's Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha in the middle, too, not to mention players like Jack Studnicka looking for ice time.

Finding room for Kadri would be difficult if Krejci returns as expected. Heck, finding money for either of them would still necessitate finding a taker for someone like Nick Foligno ($3.8 million AAV for one more season).

But Kadri adds a snarl and swagger that the Bruins lack outside of Brad Marchand. As dependable as Krejci is as a point-producing center � especially in the postseason � there are elements to Kadri's game that Boston could really use in a No. 2 center.

The elephant in the room is, of course, that Kadri has just a smidgen of history with the Bruins. While with the Maple Leafs, he was suspended for three games for boarding forward Tommy Wingels in the 2018 playoffs and then ran it back with a four-game suspension for cross-checking Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk in the 2019 playoffs.

That history has made the speculation about Kadri and the Bruins both curious and potentially fascinating, depending on fan reaction. But he's a different person and player than he was during that run.'

- Greg Wyshynski