Nazem Kadri targeted by Eastern contender ahead of free agency

All eyes will be on pending unrestricted free agent Nazem Kadri once the market opens, though now, the Colorado Avalanche is focused on the team’s playoff run and possible championship.

However, one Eastern conference contender is already looking at the possibility of making him an offer this summer. Sammi Silber of Washington Hockey Now observed the Capitals could get some cap relief for next season and go after Kadri.

The Caps could get some available cash by placing forward Nicklas Backstrom and Tom Wilson on long-term injury reserve. Backstrom has been dealing with a nagging left-hip injury while Wilson could miss up to the first half of next season recovering from knee surgery. The moves to LTIR would free up space to add an experienced starting goalie, a reliable top-six forward or more depth at center via trade or free agency and that’s where Kadri comes in.

Silber believes Kadri would be a good fit if he becomes available on the free-agent market, though he is expected to command a lot and there could be cap crunch once Backstrom and Wilson return. Backstrom’s cap hit for next season is $9.2 million while Wilson’s comes at $5.16 million. That’s a lot of money the Capitals could free up if necessary by placing one or both on LTIR, but what need would they address first, and there’s no way they’ll be the only contenders going after Kadri.

But how much will Kadri command? Will he test the market? This will be the one to watch!

Kadri has posted six goals and 14 points in 12 playoff games this spring after leading the Avalanche with 59 assists in the regular season and adding 28 goals. Las night, he collected three assists in just 164 seconds!