Photo credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images
We have to tell it like it is: the Nazem Kadri file is starting to take a very serious turn around the NHL this morning.
It was Elliotte Friedman who dropped major news on TSN this Sunday regarding a possible return of the veteran to the Avalanche.
The respected insider admits that at first, he wasn’t convinced it could work for Colorado.
However, a well-connected source texted him immediately afterward to confirm that Kadri would eventually end up there.
“Elliotte Friedman: On TNT on Sunday they asked me about Nazem Kadri and Colorado, and I’m like, I’m not sure that’s gonna work; someone texted me after…and said I’ll bet you he ends up there – 32 Thoughts (3/2)
We can agree that for Calgary Flames fans, seeing their 35-year-old center leave for a division rival would seriously shake things up.
Nazem Kadri is currently earning an annual salary of $7 million, and his contract runs through 2029.
The Colorado Avalanche are desperately looking for help at center to support Nathan MacKinnon in their pursuit of another Stanley Cup.
Kadri knows the organization well, having lifted the trophy with them in 2022 before signing in Alberta.
Canadiens and Avalanche in the mix for Nazem Kadri
Colorado holds a 40-10-9 record this season, placing them firmly in the playoff race.
The arrival of a warrior like Kadri would further strengthen an offense already averaging 3.65 goals per game.
On Calgary’s side, the team appears to be in rebuild mode, and shedding that large salary would allow for greater flexibility this summer.
Let’s be honest: Nazem Kadri is no longer 25 years old, but his strong two-way execution remains a major asset.
Simply put, if this trade materializes before the deadline, the balance of power in the Western Conference will shift dramatically.
We’ll be monitoring this closely, as Colorado pushes for center depth and the Canadiens remain firmly in the mix ahead of the trade deadline.
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Nazem Kadri linked to Avalanche return as Canadiens compete amid $7M cap stakes
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