Report: Kadri could be looking at INSANE money this summer
It would seem that Nazem Kadri would have to take a substantial discount to remain with the Colorado Avalanche. By substantial, we're talking between $2 and $3M per season. Over a 7 or 8 year deal that is a lot of money left on the table.
Earlier today, Real Kyper and Bourne's Nick Kypreos reported that Kadri could fetch as much as $10M per season should he hit the open market. Coming off of a personal best season at well over a point per game and Stanley Cup, along with a contract he vastly outperformed, he will be looking to cash in large and set himself up for post-hockey life. According to Kypreos, two teams have emerged as the front runners that could offer Kadri that kind of money - the Seattle Kraken and, ironically, the Boston Bruins.
Seattle has almost $23M in cap space and desperately need offensive talent. While they have a number of RFAs that have arbitration rights, none of them should receive massive pay increases. Kadri would instantly provide the Kraken with a number one center that can play in all situations. For Kadri, if he can secure the bag in a market like Seattle, who are not expected to contend anytime soon, he could become the face of a franchise. Also, he already has his Cup ring, so he may not feel the intense pressure to take less to sign with a contender.
Boston, on the other hand, would have to move some money around and out as they currently only have $2.3M in cap space without Bergeron's new contract. With Bergeron approaching the end of his career, Kadri would start as their second line center and eventually take over for Bergeron when he retires. Signing Kadri, who ironically has been suspended twice in the playoffs against Boston, would also give Pastrnak incentive to sign an extension, knowing that he would have a center to play with for years to come.
With the draft coming up later this week and free agency opening next week, there will be lots of movement and Kadri's name will surely come up a number of times before there's a resolution there.
