Kadri signed a one-year contract extension with the club on July 5. Following the announcement, Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock said he expects his 24-year-old centreman to be "elite" this season and earn a much bigger deal one year from now.
"If I’m him, I’m going to have the best year of my career because I’m training the way I should and living the way I should," said Babcock.
As the return to the ice approaches for the Leafs, early indicators are that the Leafs will get just that from Kadri.
"I've had contract years before and I know how to handle myself heading into the season.