Nazem Kadri’s potentiel deal in NY might have just taken a turn for the worse…

Nazem Kadri remains unsigned though many recent reports have linked him to the New York Islanders. There’s been a sense since the opening of free agency that Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello is targeting Kadri as he looks to make a significant addition to bolster his club’s offense. With $11 million in salary-cap space for 2022-23, the Islanders are in good position though they must however re-sign restricted free agent defensemen Noah Dobson and Alexander Romanov. Kadri could command around $8.5 million per season…

At first, most insiders believed the Islanders would have to move Josh Bailey to make room for Kadri. However on Wednesday, Frank Seravalli pointed out that it might be Anthony Beauvillier who ends up on the line. Which does not sound good for the Islanders and their fanbase… This is how Seravalli explained that the Islanders might have to part with Beauvillier over Bailey on DFO Rundown:

”You hear and see the rumors out there and you don’t really know quite what to make of it with the New York Islanders because anyone could see them signing Kadri and the fact that it’s gone on this long, you think back to… last year or two years ago when they announced four signings in September. You gotta move money. Noah Dobson needs a new deal, (Alexander) Romanov needs a new deal. My guess, if the Islanders are indeed signing Nazem Kadri, they’re gonna have to move someone and my guess would be Anthony Beauvillier. We’ve heard his name in the mix to move, and this was pre-(NHL Draft). Clearly, that’s the one player the New York Islanders have on their roster that I think they can actually get something of value in return for as opposed to having to push to try and unload a contract.”

You heard Seravalli say it: IF the Islanders are indeed signing Kadri. Nothing is set in stone like many believe. We all know how Lou Lamoriello works and if he wants a better return in value in a trade to make room for Kadri, Beauvillier will get him that, more than Bailey will…

It could mean that Beauvillier moves to bring along a scoring winger the Islanders have been desperate for or get some assets to upgrade their prospect pool.

As Seravalli notes, a lot will need to happen in order to fit Kadri under the Islanders’ salary cap. Does that include losing Beauvillier?! What if the Islanders place Beauvillier on the trade block and realize they can get a bigger part up front than Kadri?

What does it mean for that rumoured agreement in place for Kadri… ? Did we just go backwards on his next NHL destination? So many questions!!!