Maple Leafs' brass praises Kadri in year-end remarks

While Nazem Kadri's numbers were relatively modest this season, he did make quite the impression on the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The team's management and coaching staff addressed the media Sunday about this season's 30th-place finish, but among the positive takeaways was the play of Toronto's 2009 first-round pick.

"I like the way he stands up not only for himself, but his teammates," general manager Lou Lamoriello said, according to TSN's Mark Masters. "He doesn’t allow size to get in the way. I’ve been one of his biggest fans as everybody knows. I just like the way he competes."

Kadri is set to become a restricted free agent after making $4.1 million this past season, and if there's one thing he has going for him, it's the confidence of his coach.

"The biggest thing that Nazem proved is that he can play for Mike Babcock," president Brendan Shanahan said. "I think that he’s got a big fan in Mike Babcock."

The vote of confidence bodes well for Kadri, who reiterated his desire to remain with the team long term.

"I think I made it clear about where I want to stay and where my heart is and that’s in Toronto," Kadri said. "At the end of the day, they make that decision (on contract length), but in terms of my play this year I’ve really progressed."

While Kadri failed to break any career highs this season, he still led the team with 45 points in 76 games.