As the Winnipeg Jets look to make moves that would improve the team and eluded them this offseason, bringing in a seasoned center with term could be a move the team is considering. Ken Wiebe of The Free Press suggests Nazem Kadri as a potential target, especially closer to the trade deadline.
He writes:
One name that could make a lot of sense — but probably more likely closer to the deadline or as a pre-emptive strike like Monahan was — would be Nazem Kadri.
Kadri, currently in the third season of a seven-year, $49 million contract with the Calgary Flames, would offer the Jets a longer-term solution compared to typical deadline rental acquisitions. The 33-year-old center has been on Winnipeg’s radar before; the Jets previously showed interest before he was traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Colorado Avalanche.
Kadri played a crucial role in their 2022 Stanley Cup victory. His blend of skill, grit, and championship experience could be exactly what the Jets need to overcome their recent playoff struggles.
Meanwhile, the Flames are rebuilding. While Elliotte Friedman reported that the team isn’t looking to make more moves this summer and told their players nothing else is coming, Kadri and the Flames may decide during the season (assuming the team continues to struggle) that a move might be best for both sides.
The Jets’ Interest in Kadri Wouldn’t Be a Simple Move
Despite missing the playoffs last season, Kadri delivered 29 goals and 75 points for the Flames. He’s a proven scorer, having eclipsed the 30-goal mark twice and 20 goals four additional times. He has high-end skill on the power and could provide the boost Winnipeg needs to become a serious contender.
However, acquiring Kadri comes with risks. He’ll turn 34 in October, and his contract, which carries a $7 million AAV, includes a full no-movement clause for the next two seasons. It turns into a modified no-trade clause afterward, but the fact remains he has a lot of leverage to control his fate. Kadri would need to agree to any potential trade to Winnipeg.
The Jets would also have to juggle their cap space, especially with upcoming raises for Nikolaj Ehlers and Kyle Connor.
Wiebe wonders if the Flames would retain $2 million on Kadri to get his cap hit down to $5 million, something that would be a little easier for the Jets to manage.
Source Agencies
