Latest Trade Proposal Reveals the Price Tag the Canadiens Would Have to Pay to Acquire Nazem Kadri
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Even if the start of the season for the Montreal Canadiens is excellent, the fact remains that the club is playing without truly having a real second-line center.
While this might not seem like an issue right now, it could become a serious problem in the coming weeks.
It's no surprise, then, that Kent Hughes is still looking for that center.
His patience will surely pay off, because as the season goes on, more and more players become available across NHL teams.
As proof, the Calgary Flames already seem to have given up on their plans to make the playoffs.
It's no coincidence that Nazem Kadri's name is at the center of many rumors and speculations.
But what would it cost to acquire Kadri?
Kent Hughes will have to pay big if he wants to fix his center problem
It's difficult to evaluate Kadri's trade value on the market since we don't know if there's much interest (bidding war) or not.
One thing is certain: the veteran won't come cheap - he still has three more years left on his contract.
So Kent Hughes won't be able to get the Ontarian at a low price.
That's fine, because the Habs have the assets to win a bidding war.
The GM has also already mentioned that he won't hesitate to pay the price - or even overpay - to acquire the right player.
"You know, so far, we haven't always made the best decisions. But you can't be afraid to make mistakes."
"I often see people saying that we haven't managed to get a second-line center. I don't see it that way," said the Montrealer.
"We know we want to improve our second line, but we never said we absolutely had to do it in the summer of 2025."
- Kent Hughes
"I often see people saying that we haven't managed to get a second-line center. I don't see it that way," said the Montrealer.
"We know we want to improve our second line, but we never said we absolutely had to do it in the summer of 2025."
- Kent Hughes
On BPM Sports, the hosts had fun making trade proposals to the Flames for their center.
While Alain Crête thinks Craig Conroy will ask for a first-round pick or a top prospect, Gilbert Delorme is categorical: they'll have to give up none other than David Reinbacher.
"They're going to ask for David Reinbacher... They'll definitely ask for that.
- Gilbert Delorme
- Gilbert Delorme
That was enough to set off a heated debate in the studio.
Delorme isn't wrong: Kent Hughes will have no choice but to pay a big price if he wants to fix his issue at center.
He can't just wait and let his chance to step on the gas slip away.
It's true that Reinbacher is still young and could become another Mikhail Sergachev.
That could slow Hughes down - just as it makes show host Anthony Desaulniers hesitant.
But nothing ventured, nothing gained, and the Habs may have to part ways with Reinbacher - whether for Kadri or another player - to solidify their center line.
Nazem Kadri, a good fit for the Habs
Kadri, 35, still has three more seasons left on his contract, with an average annual salary of $7 million.
For many, that's a lot for his age, but it's worth remembering that in two or three years, that amount will represent just a fraction of the team's salary cap.
The forward could very well be the perfect transition piece while waiting for Michael Hage's arrival.
Over the last four seasons - since 2021-2022 - Kadri has recorded 87, 56, 75, and 67 points, respectively.
This season, he's averaging 17 minutes and 26 seconds of ice time and is centering the Flames' top line between Jonathan Huberdeau and Morgan Frost.
For those who prefer to wait for Sidney Crosby, here's a little word for you: yes, his arrival in Montreal would be perfect, but Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes can't just sit back and wait for number 87 to decide to leave Pittsburgh.
That may never happen, and the Canadiens would have missed great opportunities to add immediate help.
As for whether Kadri is worth a David Reinbacher - I'll let you be the judge.
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