There is an easy redemption narrative. Everyone loves it, and it usually writes itself, which is why writers will flock to it at every chance, especially hockey writers who by the time the Stanley Cup Final is over are barely sober. We are all shitheads and like to hear about people overcoming their shitheadedness to achieve something. That is a big part of sports.
His redemption was already happening. This spring, he had his boss moment. When St. Louis Blues fans showered social media and Kadri's feeds with racist taunts and threats, it came as a surprise. Kadri scored a hat trick and ended the second round series by walking into the center.
There is no period or Stanley Cup. Hockey doesn't understand how authoritative a Cup champion is. It has gotten a lot of morons jobs and players rich in contracts. Getting to say you raised the Chalice over your head is still the best phone call.
Kadri and his friends had to wade through a sea of excrement from Blues fans, but he has had to eat more excrement before. Some of it was written by me. The Avs' lack of a second line cost them against the Knights in the second round of the playoffs. He was anchoring a second line. When he was a Leaf, Kadri was suspended for the rest of the series against the Bruins. TheLeafs lost in 7. His presence would have made a difference in that coin flip.
Now, that is in the past. Kadri is not responsible to know that the frustration he caused came from an appreciation of how special he is. It was in some places. He is one of the most demonic checking centers a coach can throw at any of the league's top players. He ran a 70 percent expected goals percentage when he came back. His 87 points in 71 regular season games attest to that. His OT winner in the 4th game, when he couldn't grip his stick, would have been hard to come up with a shot that beat the best goalie in the playoffs.
Whatever excuse I or any other of Kadri's critics come up with doesn't matter until we pucker up. Kadri will get a very rich deal this summer. In their tortured existence, the Leafs broadcast with the world's biggest bullhorn at the thought that they drummed him out of town for the bounty of Tyson Barrie. Toronto has been grasping at the horizon from the beginning. Kadri has something on her finger.
I am going to pucker up. You were a liability according to me. It was your arrival in Denver that turned the Avs into a force to be feared. One of the best rhythm guitarists in the NHL is you. I'm ready if you show me those cheeks.
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