The futures of Nazem Kadri and Morgan Rielly were never really in doubt.
The Toronto Maple Leafs locked the youngsters up long term Wednesday, the forward and defender signing six-year contracts that take some of their unrestricted free-agent years off the table.
"It was pretty simple," Kadri said of the negotiations, according to TSN's Mark Masters. "I think both of us felt the same way. It got done fairly quickly and fairly easily."
Rielly's deal is worth $30 million, while Kadri's comes in at $27.5 million. Both figures are more than reasonable, especially with the salary cap set to rise again.
"It was a bit easier than I thought," said Rielly, who was set to hit restricted free agency for the first time. "We wanted to make sure it went smoothly. We didn't put up much of a fight."
For Kadri, the contract is the culmination of some hard work, and some lessons learned. He signed a two-year bridge contract before the 2013-14 season, and a one-year contract before this past season. Kadri was suspended by the Maple Leafs to close out the 2014-15 season, and he had a lot to prove coming into his first season with Mike Babcock behind the bench.
"There's been some growing pains," Kadri said, "But to play in a market like Toronto is a great opportunity."
From nearby London, Ontario, Kadri said his heart is blue and white.
"The Maple Leaf logo is all I've ever known and all I've ever wanted to play for."
Kadri talked about the adversity he's been through, saying it means a lot to him that the organization showed faith in him as a person and a player. He's looking forward to the challenge that will be leading an up-and-coming Maple Leafs squad.
"This is a beginning," Kadri said. "I want to reach my max potential. I want to be the player I know I can be and the player that leads this group."
Kadri will turn 26 in October and have the opportunity.
Rielly cited the change in Toronto's upper ranks as a reason for not hesitating to sign a long-term deal.
"I want to be in Toronto. The fans are the best. I love the city," he said. "It wasn't about being a (unrestricted free agent). It was about playing for the Leafs. The players have felt that there's been a big change in the atmosphere around here and it makes you feel comfortable."
