Maple Leafs' Nazem Kadri: Ready to be a leader

Kadri will be the Leafs' top center to start the season and he will be counted on for leadership this season, something that hasn't always been associated with him, reports The National Post.

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How will he show leadership? "Just doing things the right way on and off the ice," Kadri said. "That is something I have really tightened up in the last couple of years, understanding how it works, what it means to be in the NHL, what it means to put on an NHL jersey." Coach Mike Babcock doesn't quite class him in the 'veteran' group yet; that belongs to James Van Riemsdyk, Tyler Bozak, Matt Hunwick and Leo Komarov. But Kadri will get the tough matchups and the premium ice. And that could deliver decent numbers until Auston Matthews matures into the top-line guy.