Montreal Canadiens emerge as potential landing spot for Nazem Kadri, per report
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Nazem Kadri has officially opened the door to a trade to Montreal, but the sudden emergence of a prospect is changing the equation for Kent Hughes.
The information reported by Marco D’Amico has just confirmed what many suspected.
"Received confirmation that Montreal is not on Nazem Kadri's NTC."
- Marco D'Amico
- Marco D'Amico
The 35-year-old veteran would be willing to waive his clause to come play at the Bell Centre.
In fact, the Tricolore isn’t even on his partial no-trade list.
That’s a huge sign of respect toward the organization.
That said, it must be mentioned that young Oliver Kapanen has taken matters into his own hands in spectacular fashion.
The 2021 second-round pick (64th overall) has established himself as the team’s legitimate second-line center.
His line with rookie Ivan Demidov and the powerful Juraj Slafkovsky is firing on all cylinders.
The $7 million dilemma that is undoubtedly dividing the Montreal Canadiens’ management
Fans are torn between the desire to win right away with a warrior like Kadri, and the fear of hurting the development of the youngsters with a heavy contract.
The financial aspect cannot be ignored in this equation.
Kadri carries a $7M salary through the end of the 2028–2029 season.
That’s a massive commitment for a player who will soon be entering the declining phase of his career.
Kapanen, meanwhile, is providing very respectable production for a fraction of the cost.
But the NHL is still a man’s league, especially in the spring.
Kadri brings a level of toughness and experience that Kapanen doesn’t yet have.
He can run the power play and shut down the opposition’s top lines.
Is the CH a true contender with such a young center core?
Adding Kadri would send a clear message to the locker room: the team is aiming for a strong playoff run right now.
Not doing it would be a full vote of confidence in the youth.
It’s up to Kent Hughes to make his choice! Nazem Kadri has made his!
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 1|2007 ANSWERS Montreal Canadiens emerge as potential landing spot for Nazem Kadri, per report Should the Canadiens acquire Nazem Kadri despite the emergence of Oliver Kapanen? | ||
| Yes, for playoff experience | 287 | 14.3 % |
| No, the contract is too heavy | 1720 | 85.7 % |
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