There are certainly more former Maple Leafs in the salary-cap era who’ve won the Stanley Cup — or been to the final — than there are title banners on Bay Street. Article content

Among those who had an awkward exit but later lifted the trophy, Nazem Kadri had the most memorable quote. Article content Article content

While in Toronto, his recklessness in the name of sticking up for teammates or sending foes a message each spring eventually resulted in a trade.

“For everyone who thought I was a liability in playoffs, you can kiss my ass,” the 2022 champion shouted as his Colorado Avalanche celebrated.

Amid an NHL-worst 58-year drought, lack of success has been particularly hard to swallow for Leafs Nation loyalists who fawned over then fell out with several stars.

Four years before K

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