Kadri top 6?

He's confident, slightly cocky, always consistent. It's the Nazem Kadri way. It's what makes him a winner. And what'll make him an impactful NHL'er...one day.

Is he ready?

But could 'that day' be October 1st against the team he grew up idolizing? The Leafs are expected to open the 2009/2010 season against the Canadiens and Nazem believes he's good enough, and by then big enough, to be part of that game.

Even if he is qualified to earn a sweater this fall, the popular belief is that Nazem would be better served to play another season with the Knights, win a gold medal with the Canadian Junior team, then re-focus on arriving in the show by late 2010. But get into Nazem's head space, today, tonight, tomorrow or even next week, and you'll see that his goal is clear: become a top 6 forward for the Maple Leafs now...not later. He told me Monday morning he thinks Ron Wilson's attackers for the coming season will include either himself, Tyler Bozak or Christian Hanson. Word is Bozak, the University of Denver standout, is the front-runner for any gig offered to one of the kids. Could a pair of these prized 'rooks' find themselves in the opening night line-up? How about all three?

Whether Nazem's fooling himself or simply posturing, the "I want it now" attitude is a good one to have. Maybe he's ready to play in the NHL? He was drafted 7th, a no joke pick that's expected to produce a sure-fire NHL'er. So it must be safe to assume as choice number 7 Nazem WILL be NHL'er. His skills suggest a 25 to 30 goal scorer. His physical attributes leave us wondering when? Still on the lighter and younger side of manhood, Nazem may not be ready to endure the constant ruggedness of the world's top league just yet.

With his sights set so high, Nazem could be headed for a crash landing once NHL training camp roles around. If that's indeed the case it'll be followed by a ticket back to London, which turns out to be ironic. He's from the Forest City and it's the last place he wants to be playing hockey this fall. Re-joining the Knights will no doubt piss him off, but that's okay. It's terrific actually. Brian Burke wants players in his system who 'want more'. Who want better. Nazem fits that mould perfectly. It's written all over his game, and suggested every time he talks about it.

One more Knight?

The Leafs' top pick has less than two months to pack on 7 pounds and plot a strategy that'll shake up an organization. It's a long shot he pulls it off and is still a Leaf come October 1st, but the fact he's aiming high is encouraging and hopefully indicative of a system-wide objective.