Avs and Kadri: Potential Reunion Looms as TradeCentre Nears

The NHL trade landscape is heating up as the trade deadline approaches. Key discussions revolve around the potential reunion of Nazem Kadri and the Colorado Avalanche. With the Olympic roster freeze officially over, teams are actively looking to bolster their lineups.

Kadri’s Possible Return to Colorado

The Colorado Avalanche recently created $2.25 million in cap space through a trade that sent defenseman Samuel Girard to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Brett Kulak. Kulak, a 32-year-old pending unrestricted free agent, comes with a $2.75 million cap hit. This move leaves the Avalanche with about $8 million in cap space, enabling them to pursue additional players ahead of the trade deadline.

TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston noted that the Avalanche are likely to target another forward, possibly a centerman. With Kadri’s name coming up in trade talks, there is speculation about whether his return to Colorado is in the works.

Kadri’s Season Performance

• Nazem Kadri has accumulated 10 goals and 39 points in 56 games this season.
• He previously enjoyed a stellar season with Colorado, scoring 28 goals and 87 points while helping the team win the Stanley Cup.
• Kadri signed a seven-year contract worth $49 million with the Calgary Flames, with an annual cap hit of $7 million.

Despite his successful past, Kadri’s scoring has dipped this year compared to 35 goals last season. The Avalanche are exploring their trade assets, though they lack first-round picks in the current draft. They do retain their top two picks and have the Minnesota Wild’s second-round pick for 2027 to negotiate potential deals.

Other Notable Trade Discussions

Evander Kane of the Vancouver Canucks is also on the trade radar as his team looks to rebuild. Kane, with nine goals and 25 points in 56 games this season, is a pending unrestricted free agent. His current cap hit stands at $5.125 million. Teams such as the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning have shown interest as Kane potentially becomes available.

Canucks’ Key Players on the Move

• Centre Elias Pettersson is garnering trade interest, although he holds a no-move clause.
• Pettersson has recorded 13 goals and 34 points in 49 games this season.
• His contract is an eight-year, $92.8 million deal with an annual cap hit of $11.6 million.

As teams begin to solidify their playoff rosters, the trade deadline is expected to stir significant movements across the league. The Avalanche appear particularly focused on enhancing their playoff chances by potentially bringing back Nazem Kadri.

Looking Ahead

As the trade deadline approaches, expect more developments and rumors. The NHL landscape is poised for substantial changes, especially concerning high-profile players like Kadri and Kane. With the Avalanche leading the charge, how they maneuver in the coming days will be critical to their championship aspirations.