From the moment the Avalanche expressed interest in bringing Nazem Kadri back into the fold, they became the frontrunner to land him from the Flames, although that didn’t stop other teams from pursuing the top-six pivot. Part of why the initial Kadri to Colorado report didn’t come out until an hour after the deadline passed was because of how aggressively the Canadiens were pushing to land him until ultimately backing out with less than a couple of hours to go, The Athletic’s Peter Baugh reports.
Montreal’s interest in Kadri isn’t a new storyline. It was well-documented that they were in the market for a top-six forward (although preferably a winger), but they were still limited in how many assets they were willing to give up at this early stage of their contention window. The Flames and Habs also had talks surrounding Blake Coleman throughout the year, and Montreal was also linked to Calgary defender Zach Whitecloud last week, although none of those deals ended up getting done.
Instead, the Habs were silent last week. General manager Kent Hughes told reporters Friday after the deadline passed that they spent all their time that morning and afternoon on a “significant deal” and didn’t devote their attention anywhere else (via Arpon Basu of The Athletic). Given Baugh’s report, it stands to reason that the potential pickup was Kadri.
A first-round pick, a second-round pick, a B-tier prospect in Max Curran, and a salary ended up going back Calgary’s way – and that was with the Flames retaining cash, which they wouldn’t have had to do if they took Patrik Laine off Montreal’s hands in a Kadri deal. It was a matchable price, but evidently one Hughes determined Montreal wasn’t willing to exceed before making a more serious playoff challenge with their existing core.
The Habs will instead roll into what they hope will be a second consecutive playoff berth with a top-six forward group that, as currently constructed, has three players aged 22 or younger and no one over the age of 26. Montreal only has three forwards over the age of 30 – Josh Anderson, Phillip Danault, and Brendan Gallagher – and they’re all on a line together.
Amusing that a team like the Avs that really didn’t need to add much at the deadline added quite alot while other teams with playoff ambitions did little to nothing. Having a good GM makes all the difference.
It’s logical though. Teams aren’t going to pay that price and sacrifice the future to maybe play an extra round of playoff hockey. Teams like Colorado that feel like they have a legitimate chance at a final or better , need to load up.
Carolina and Minnesota, just to name two teams, both needed a 2nd line center and came away empty.
You can add Detroit in as well. Steve just won’t give up prospects, even ones that are producing well.
A washed up 35-year-old who doesn’t play defense isn’t much of an addition.
The only good thing for Colorado is the retention, although a good GM would have insisted on a maximum.
Otherwise, a waste of a 1st, 2nd and cap space for 4 years. It will age horribly.
If they happen to be hoisting the Stanley Cup (highly likely), I’m the Avs will be troubled by all those problems.
Putting all eggs in one basket (upcoming playoffs) is unwise. The team’s Cup window extends beyond this season. This trade closed that window to a certain extent, and for no good reason.
People said that about the Panthers too. What exactly is missing from the Avs after this season or the one after that these trades jeopordized?
A 1st, 2nd and $5,600,000 of cap space for 3 years.
And what roster spot were you looking to upgrade at? 🤨
None.