Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
The name Nazem Kadri has been circulating quite a bit in the rumors lately, but one element is holding Kent Hughes back.
Frank Seravalli fueled the rumors by confirming that the Canadiens like the player, but not his contract.
Nazem Kadri is carrying a seven-year deal at $7 million per season that doesn’t end until 2029. At 35 years old, the veteran is starting to cost a lot for the production he provides.
Let’s be honest: the Canadiens already have a much more solid group of centers than at the start of the season. With the arrival of Phillip Danault and the presence of Nick Suzuki, the need for another big center is less pressing.
Nazem Kadri currently has a stat line of 10 goals and 29 assists for 39 points in 56 games. His -24 plus/minus with the Calgary Flames also worries scouts a bit.
Let’s admit it, the organization’s interest seems to have cooled off since the beginning of the year. Marco D’Amico mentions that the file quickly went from “hot” to “lukewarm.”
A contract that weighs heavily in the balance
“Re Nazem Kadri/Canadiens: I think they like the player, I don’t think they’re in love with the contract”
– Frank Seravalli on Flames Talk
The Habs currently have no room to maneuver under the salary cap. Absorbing Nazem Kadri’s contract would force Hughes to sacrifice an important asset or a quality prospect like Michael Hage.
In February, several trades start to take shape, and this could be it for the forward.
Unless Calgary retains a large portion of the salary, we won’t see Nazem Kadri heading to Montreal anytime soon.
Kent Hughes likely prefers to shop for an offensive winger or wait until the weekend to evaluate his options.
In short, the Canadiens’ management will have to make a decision soon, but the salary will definitely complicate things.
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Canadiens showing interest in Nazem Kadri, but there’s a catch
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