Nazem Kadri’s New Book Reveals Challenges and Triumphs in NHL Career

Former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri is set to release his book “Dreamer: My Life On The Edge” on October 15, 2024. The memoir chronicles his journey as a professional hockey player, highlighting both the challenges and triumphs he has encountered. Among the book’s revelations is the incident involving coach Mike Babcock and teammate Mitch Marner, which Kadri recounts with a mix of humor and criticism.

In an interview with The Canadian Press, Kadri shared his motivation for writing the book, emphasizing its inspirational tone. “I wanted it to be inspirational and motivating, but kind of lighthearted and humorous at the same time,” Kadri explained. The book details his experiences with adversity, self-doubt, and the pressure of being under the spotlight as a professional athlete.

Kadri’s narrative in “Dreamer” offers insights into his early years with the Maple Leafs, where he felt his confidence was seen as a flaw by team management. “Conformity, not individuality, was celebrated by the NHL during my early years,” he said, reflecting on how the league has evolved to embrace diverse personalities among players.

The book also highlights Kadri’s unique background as a Muslim player in the NHL. Growing up in London, Ontario, as the son of a Lebanese immigrant, Kadri was often the only non-white player in the dressing room. He recalls facing racist comments from both peers and adults, which he had to overcome to carve out a successful hockey career.

One of the pivotal moments in Kadri’s career, detailed in the book, is his experience with the Colorado Avalanche during their 2022 Stanley Cup victory. After a collision with St. Louis Blues‘ goaltender Jordan Binnington, Kadri became the target of severe racial abuse and death threats. The intensity of the situation led to the Colorado police providing him and his family with security.

Kadri’s revelations extend to his perceptions of coach Mike Babcock’s controversial handling of players during his time in Toronto. He specifically cites Babcock’s tactic of ranking players based on effort, which caused friction within the team. “You just don’t do that to a rookie,” Kadri remarked, adding that he confronted Babcock about these practices, emphasizing the trust issues they created among teammates.

Despite these experiences, Kadri acknowledges that Babcock helped him grow as a player, although he disagrees with some of the coach’s methods. He currently plays for the Calgary Flames and continues to contribute to the NHL with his unique perspective and skills.