"All it took was one look at the forward line combinations at Leafs practice here Wednesday to place Nazem Kadri right in the middle of a frenzy of speculation about his immediate future with the club.

The Leafs and the Rangers will play the first hockey game in the newly renovated Madison Square Garden Thursday night, but Kadri may not be part of that special moment.

The talented young winger lined up with the so called "extra" players at practice, triggering talk that he may be returned to the Marlies Thursday."