Trade talk surrounding Calgary Flames center Kadri continues to be a hot topic
Last season, Nazem Kadri played like only he could somehow work and get his Calgary Flames to the playoffs. This version of Kadri would have been a flagship at the NHL trade deadlinedespite a somewhat heavy contract.
With 29 goals and 46 assists for 75 points, Kadri was just below his career best in each category previously achieved with the Toronto Maple Leafs (32 goals) and the Colorado Avalanche (59 assists and 87 points).
This year, however, his stats make his trade value much more uncertain. Although it is regularly been mentioned as a candidate to become a Stanley Cup contender before the deadline, Kadri’s numbers definitely bring the price down.
Kadri, 34, has eight goals and 17 points in 28 games with the Flames so far this season. Prorated, that represents a season of 23 goals and 50 points. Not great, but a $7 million AAV for three more seasons after this one puts a damper on talk of a return.
This could also reduce the number of suitors, even if we are talking about a reunion with the Maple Leafs will continue to be a hot business topic until something happens.
General managers like Brad Treliving of the Leafs will use the contract and stats as leverage. The Flames will rely on last year’s numbers and his record to get as many wins as possible for him.
So what is it Kadri’s value?
Fortunately, the Flames have ample salary retention space to eliminate this problem. They could also take back a bad contract from any buyer. This helps when you’re considering trying to get a prospect and draft pick as a return.
The better the prospect, the lower the pick, but you can bet that any starting spot for the Flames will be a first-round pick and a decent prospect. That doesn’t mean they’ll get it, but having the ability to keep their salary is a weapon.
If Kadri can get hot in the coming weeks, there is undoubtedly its value is increasing and more and more teams are interested in it.
