When Nazem Kadri signed his 7-year, $49M contract on August 18th, he shocked a lot of people in the hockey world by choosing the Calgary Flames over several other teams who were reportedly interested. We're now also finding out that he left money on the table to sign in Calgary.
On Thursday, Kadri said on Sportsnet 960 that he chose to take less in Calgary because of the opportunity he will have to win again right away. In addition, Kadri said that he'd put the Flames' center depth (consisting of Elias Lindholm, Kadri and Michael Backlund) up against anyone in the NHL.
Kadri's reported ask from the opening of free agency was in excess of $8M-$9M per year on a 7-year deal. We know that there was at least one offer higher, as the New York Islanders are believed to have offered $7.5M per season over 7 years. His decision to leave at least $3.5M on the table over the term of his deal is evidence that Kadri believes what he says about Calgary.
