NHL Rumors: Kadri's Chances Of Returning To Avalanche Next Season Drop

The Colorado Avalanche's chances of bringing back their number two centerman has fallen as of late. It appears as though other teams are still trying to move around money and open up room to sign the 87 point scorer from last season. Per Adrian Dater, Avalanche insider, there is now a lesser chance that Kadri returns to Colorado in any fashion. Let's look at some reasons why.

First, even though Kadri has done some good work for the team and really stepped up last season with an injury to Nathan MacKinnon, the Avalanche must be aware and plan for the future with some very key contracts coming up in the near future which include MacKinnon, J.T. Compher, Bowen Byram, and Alex Newhook, all of whom should be part of the future. Any deal that they would come to with Kadri would have to be two years or less. The top free agent deserves more than that and will seek that elsewhere if needed.

In order to think about bringing Kadri back, the Avalanche will have to move out some money. They may already be shopping a defenseman in Samuel Girard as he has five years left on his contract at $5 million per season. The team has a young stud in Byram who took a big step last season when he was in the lineup and will eventually either take over that spot on the second pairing or even first down the line.

To replace Kadri in the lineup the Avalanche have confidence in either Compher or Newhook, both of whom recorded 33 points last season. Likely candidate next season is Compher who filled Kadri's spot in the lineup in the playoff when he was out and also at times during the regular season. Newhook may prove he's able to play that role next season, but the safe bet and proven bet is Compher.

Kadri is a risk for teams to sign, not for the next couple of seasons, but for the back end of his contract. He is almost 32 years old and if given a seven year extension, it takes him late into his 30s. Over the next couple of seasons we may already see his decline start to happen, especially on a team that isn't as equipped offensively as Colorado. The Avalanche still have lots of offensive weapons and should be fine with the decision to not pursue Kadri.