Avalanche Could Clear Space To Bring Nazem Kadri Back

There is some chatter making the rounds this weekend that involves still unsigned free agent Nazem Kadri. After seeing what teams had to offer and listening to their pitches, Kadri might be leaning towards re-signing with the Colorado Avalanche. The problem is, even if Kadri takes a bit of a discount to remain with the team, the Avs don’t have the money to pay Kadri without moving something else off the roster.

Rumors are starting to swirl that Colorado might be open to a trade that would see either Samuel Girard or J.T. Compher moved. The consensus seems to be that Girard is the more likely trade candidate, simply because the Avs are loaded on their blue line, and just signed Brad Hunt to a two-year deal, adding even more depth at a position in which they were already strong. Girard carries a $5 million cap hit for the next five seasons and moving his contract off the books would pretty much clear the space Colorado needs.

There is rumored interest from both Kadri’s camp and the Avs to make an extension work. Stephen Whyno of The Associated Press writes:

We’re almost 48 hours into free agency and the top center and defenseman have yet to sign. Have to wonder if there isn’t a door wide open for Nazem Kadri to return to Colorado IF Avalanche can move out some money. It would cost them but may be worth it.

He then references a statement made by Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland on Wednesday saying, “We’ve asked Naz’s agent to keep us in the loop on it. Obviously, he’s a high priority player, deservedly so, middle of the ice, so that’s the best that I can say on that.” In other words, if Kadri doesn’t hit the home run he’s hoping to with another team, he could circle back to Colorado and they want a chance to chat.

Could the Avs be in the running to retain Kadri, even though it seemed like he was most certainly headed elsewhere and to a team that was able to give him the best deal on a new long-term contract? He may not ultimately wind up in Colorado, but the Avalanche are looking more and more like a feasible option than they were when free agency opened.

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