Kadri insists trade didn't have anything to do with his discipline history

Nazem Kadri says the Toronto Maple Leafs didn't deal him for Tyson Barrie because of his suspensions.

"I know for a fact that didn't have anything to do with it," the Colorado Avalanche forward told reporters Tuesday, according to The Canadian Press. "They know I'm a heart-and-soul guy, and I'd do anything for my teammates. That was obviously shown - sometimes not necessarily in the best way - but my head and my heart were always in the right place."

On Monday evening, the Maple Leafs traded Kadri to the Avalanche along with defensive prospect Calle Rosen and a 2020 third-round pick for Barrie, forward Alex Kerfoot, and a 2020 sixth-rounder.

Kadri was banned from eight of Toronto's last 14 playoff contests, all against the Boston Bruins, including the final five this past spring. The Leafs ultimately lost both series.

The veteran center was suspended three games for boarding then-Bruins forward Tommy Wingels in Game 1 of the 2018 matchup and was forced to sit out the remainder of the 2019 series for his cross-check to Jake DeBrusk's head in Game 2.

Kadri, who had spent his entire 10-year career with the Maple Leafs, said it wasn't his preference to be dealt but he's looking forward to joining another competitive club.

"It wasn't really my first choice, but at the end of the day the Colorado Avalanche are going to be contenders for many, many years to come," he said. "That makes this a lot easier."

He also expressed his feelings about the Leafs organization in a heartfelt Instagram post:

View this post on Instagram

10 years, what can I say. Words cannot describe what this city means to me. You welcomed me in as a boy and watched me grow and evolve in front of your eyes. Thank you for opening your arms up and making me feel right at home. You asked for my heart and I gave you my soul. Forever a special place in my heart. That being said, I believe my best years are in front of me and I cannot wait to join my new team. The new chapter starts now, thank you Toronto for everything you have done for me, I will never forget it

A post shared by Nazem Kadri (@43kadri) on Jul 2, 2019 at 11:02am PDT

The 28-year-old regressed offensively in 2018-19 but still contributed 16 goals and 44 points in 73 regular-season games while recording a goal and an assist in the two playoff contests.

He poured in 32 goals in each of the two prior campaigns, and has notched 161 markers and 357 points in 561 career games.

The Leafs selected him seventh overall in the 2009 draft.

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