Nazem Kadri learned a valuable lesson, according to Nazem Kadri.

A year ago this week, Kadri was suspended by the Toronto Maple Leafs for off-ice related issues. Asked about it Monday, Kadri called the suspension his "moment of clarity," according to TSN's Mark Masters.

"I mean, that could've went one of two ways. I could have taken it one of two ways," Kadri said. "I'm proud of myself for just battling my way out of it. Obviously, it was a hard time for myself, but I stuck with it, I worked hard, I didn't let that bother me and I came back with something to prove and I think I've proved that."

Kadri's numbers don't show it, but he's one of Toronto's better players this season, tied for the team lead with 35 points on an offensively-challenged team. He remains a positive possession player and elite at drawing penalties. And he hasn't let a lack of box-score results - he's shooting 5.5 percent with only 12 goals on 220 shots - influence his work ethic, which is the only thing he can control.

"Every single day I want to be the hardest-working guy in practice and I want to bring that work ethic and lead by example not only on the ice but off the ice as well," Kadri said, adding that he's matured as a player and a person.

Head coach Mike Babcock, who's been vocal in his praise for Kadri in his first year coaching him, pumped the brakes a little bit, saying the 25-year-old still has far to go.

"Well, let's not get carried away, work in progress," Babcock said. "If Naz was right here I'd say the same thing to him. A big thing for him, for all kids who come in to the league obviously, is you've got to figure out what a pro is. When you start getting paid you think you're a pro. To me, that has nothing to do with it. That just means you're getting paid. When you become a pro, you learn how to practice hard, you know how to sleep right, how to eat right, you know how to bring it every day, you know how to fight through adversity, you know how to control your emotions. There's lots of things and you're a work in progress and so Naz is that."

The Maple Leafs continue to strip their roster, and are seeing an infusion of youth, as the team begins to develop its own talent. Kadri's one of the older guys now, and he'll only turn 26 in October.

"Especially with the young guys coming in, I want to be a person they can look to," Kadri said.

Kadri needs a new contract, as he's due for restricted free agency after signing a one-year bridge deal worth $4.1 million. He can help as the rebuild continues, and Toronto may be able to lock him in at a cheaper rate after his unlucky season.

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