Nazem Kadri appears to be the number one priority for another Eastern Conference team

PUBLICATION

Joshua Deeds
June 4, 2022 (11:03)

SHARE THIS STORY

Nazem Kadri will be an unrestricted free agent soon and after being eyed by the Boston Bruins as a solution for offensive pieces, it seems like there are more suitors every day. Kadri has had a career year in Colorado and is still on a run, thanks to the Joe Sakic masterclass, he may end up in the Stanley Cup Finals. Especially if they can continue to turn off the flow of the Oilers' offense.

His stat line is just impressive, 28 goals, 59 assists for 87 points in 71 games which turns out to be 1.22 points per game, he will be getting paid but is Sakic willing to do it?

His contract will be expiring with $4.5 million, AAV with an M-NTC attached as well.

Then comes the question of age. Kadri is approaching 32, and the Capitals want to inject more youth into the lineup. Still, there's no questioning that Kadri can continue to put up points despite his age. But if the team's goal is to get younger, then signing Kadri for big money may not be the right move. Plus, Connor McMichael is expected to get a bigger opportunity at center next season, and bringing in Kadri may complicate that chance.

Would Kadri Be Realistic Option For Capitals Going Into 2022-23?

Kadri would be a great addition and with Alex Ovechkin, I feel would stack another needed asset, as Backstrom and Wilson are out. Hopefully, T.J. Oshie will be healthy and ready to contribute as well.

The Washington Capitals are deep in the NHL, but their prospect pool is trending downward, so it sounds like moving a first and compensation or assets for Kadri would stunt club growth for years. Scott Wheeler ranked their 2021 pool 23rd and that is not good for an organization whose only cup run was in 2017-2018.

Brian MacLellan is in a rough spot this off-season.