NHL Rumors: 3 Landing Spots for Pending Free-Agent Nazem Kadri
The Colorado Avalanche are going to be in tough to re-sign forward Nazem Kadri. General manager Joe Sakic currently has $25.6 million in salary cap space, however the to-do list is long and complex. There's also Nathan MacKinnon's contract extension looming, so we'll see quickly where Sakic is prioritizing his time. Kadri hasn't been shy he wants to be paid so if the Avs move on, here's three teams who may pull up the Brinks truck:
Philadelphia Flyers
Kadri is the type of center the Flyers would love to add this summer but they'll need to move out some money to make it happen. Word is they've been trying hard to deal James van Riemsdyk and his $7 million cap hit for the 2022-23 season. Kadri is someone the Flyers know very well from his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Philly seems like an organization the veteran forward would fit seamlessly in. 87 points in 71 regular season games, 15 points in 16 Stanley Cup playoff games and a shiny new ring on the way, Kadri can expect a huge raise on his $4.5 million from last season.
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Ottawa Senators
Not many teams know Kadri more than the D.J Smith coached Ottawa Senators and this could be a storyline to watch over the next couple of weeks. The Sens have roughly $23 million in cap space to work with and are looking to take the jump to Stanley Cup Playoff regulars. Kadri vs the Maple Leafs all season long would be fun to watch and the Senators could send a message to the rest of the league they're ready to take the next step. Brady Tkachuk and Kadri playing together would be a lot to handle for other teams and we'll see if Ottawa is in the mix come July 13.
Carolina Hurricanes
If Vincent Trocheck leaves via free agency Kadri could be a nice replacement for 'Canes management. The two play a similar style and this could be an easy plug and play in Carolina. The contract negotiations are going to be tricky because Kadri's career-high 87 points were 26 more than his previous career best. A one off because of his 27 power-play points or is Kadri ready to consistently take his game to the next level? Questions Carolina is likely pondering at the moment.
Nazem Kadri ladies and gents.
— Rachel Tos (@RachRichlinski) June 30, 2022
I asked him if someone gave this shirt to him, and he said he had it made.
Baller. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/4oyJrVV0du
Nazem Kadri is the first ever Muslim Stanley Cup Champion. pic.twitter.com/MfspqRA5lm
— divya (@04BYRAM) June 27, 2022
“For those who thought I was a liability in the playoffs, they can kiss my ass.”
— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) June 27, 2022
Stanley Cup Winner Nazem Kadri with a message to the haters . pic.twitter.com/GnEB6NgLUR
Nazem Kadri celebrating with his parents Samir and Sue. pic.twitter.com/NIctIdBP9B
— Aarif Deen (@runwriteAarif) June 27, 2022