Best Potential Fits for Nazem Kadri amid Latest NHL Free Agency Rumors

A free-agent frenzy took place on Wednesday. As soon as the market opened at noon ET and players could begin negotiating with teams, it didn't take long for some top standouts to ink deals. But that was only day one.

Even though quite a few of the best available free agents have already signed contracts, there are some big names still on the market. That includes Nazem Kadri.

After helping the Colorado Avalanche win the Stanley Cup last month, Kadri is likely going to get a sizable payday in the near future. ESPN's Emily Kaplan tweeted to "look out for a large contract" for the 31-year-old forward while noting that "a handful of teams" are in on Kadri.

A 13-year NHL veteran, Kadri is coming off one of his best seasons. He tallied a career-high 87 points during the 2021-22 campaign, scoring 28 goals and adding 59 assists in 71 games. He also recorded seven goals and eight assists in 16 playoff games.

Kadri has spent the past three seasons in Colorado after playing the first 10 seasons of his NHL career with the Toronto Maple Leafs. What's next for the unrestricted free agent? Here's a look at the teams that would be the best fits for Kadri moving forward.

Colorado Avalanche

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DENVER, COLORADO - JUNE 18: A detailed view of the Stanley Cup logo on a Colorado Avalanche jersey in the locker room before Game Two of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena on June 18, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)

A return to Colorado hasn't been ruled out for Kadri yet. TSN's Darren Dreger reported on Wednesday afternoon that the Avalanche were "still in the mix" as Kadri and his agent, Darren Ferris, were meeting with teams.

But if the Avs are going to bring back Kadri, they'll need to find a way to make it work financially. They have $3.91 million in available cap space (per CapFriendly), and Kadri is likely to sign a deal with an average annual value larger than that.

Still, it could be worthwhile for Colorado to clear space in order to make room for Kadri. He played a large role in helping the franchise end its 21-year Stanley Cup drought, and he'd likely continue to provide consistent offense in the future if he returned to the team.

According to Mike Chambers of the Denver Post, new Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland said the team has asked Ferris to keep them "in the loop" during negotiations. So it's still possible that Kadri will keep his stint with Colorado going next season and beyond.

Calgary Flames

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MONTREAL, QC - JANUARY 30: A detail of the Calgary Flames logo is seen during the second period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on January 30, 2021 in Montreal, Canada. The Calgary Flames defeated the Montreal Canadiens 2-0. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

The Calgary Flames were unsuccessful in retaining one of their top offensive players on Wednesday. Johnny Gaudreau, who had spent the first nine seasons of his NHL career with the Flames, opted to sign with the Columbus Blue Jackets on a seven-year, $68.25 million deal.

So Calgary needs to sign a top free-agent forward, and it has the money to do so, with $19.575 million in available cap space (per CapFriendly). Kadri could be a great fit and would help replace some of the offense that the Flames will be losing with Gaudreau's departure.

Kaplan tweeted that she's been told Calgary is a "dark horse" in the Kadri sweepstakes. Because of that, it wouldn't be a total surprise if Kadri ends up signing with the Flames, as it appears they're at least in the mix in some way.

It's time for Calgary to move on from Gaudreau, and signing Kadri could be a good first step. And with so much financial flexibility now for the rest of the offseason, the Flames may be in a position to outbid several of Kadri's other suitors if it comes down to that.

New York Islanders

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MONTREAL, QC - APRIL 15: View of a New York Islanders logo on a jersey worn by a member of the team during the New York Islanders versus the Montreal Canadiens game on April 15, 2022 at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

According to Kaplan, the New York Rangers and several other teams from the Metropolitan Division are in the mix to sign Kadri. But the Rangers already signed a top forward, inking Vincent Trocheck to a seven-year, $39.375 million deal on Wednesday. So perhaps Kadri could be more likely to go to the other team from New York.

The Islanders have $11.185 million of available cap space (per CapFriendly), and they could use some of that to boost their offense. It may make sense for them to sign Kadri, who could come in immediately and be a solid contributor at center on one of their top offensive lines. The Isles may already be deep at the position, but Kadri is an impact player who can make the unit even stronger.

Prior to the start of free agency, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said on his 32 Thoughts podcast "not to count out" the New York teams as Kadri suitors and that the Islanders would likely talk with the forward. It's not clear if that's since happened, but discussions could be taking place if Friedman's report was right.

This past season, the Islanders missed the playoffs after reaching the postseason each of the previous three years. Kadri is the type of experienced veteran who could help the Isles quickly return to the playoffs by making the players around him even better.