Nazem Kadri is exactly what the Jets need
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Ken Wiebe, a highly respected sports writer for the Winnipeg Jets has given fans a glimpse into an electrifying trade scenario.
The Winnipeg Jets face a lot of questions concerning the second line center position. Although Cole Perfetti and Vlad Namestnikov are the two prime candidates heading into next season, there's no guarantee the two above mentioned will secure that spot.
Wiebe eludes to the fact that the Jets are in dire need of a gritty second line centerman, especially after the departure of UFA Sean Monahan. With still over $6 million dollars left in open cap space, Wiebe suggests that going after Nazem Kadri would help the Jets significantly moving forward.
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Kadri is about to enter the third season of the seven-year, $49 million USD contract he signed with the Calgary Flames in the summer of 2022. He would provide more of a longer-range solution, unlike most of the previous deadline deals for pivots.This is a player the Jets showed interest in before he ended up being dealt from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Colorado Avalanche.With the Avalanche, Kadri played a vital role on the 2022 Stanley Cup championship club.
On a Flames team that missed the playoffs, he still managed to produce 29 goals and 75 points to go along with strong possession numbers, while showing durability by appearing in all 82 games. He's eclipsed 30 goals on two occasions and hit 20 or more four additional times.
Kadri will turn 34 in October, which means any trade for him will carry some element of risk - especially in the final years of the contract that includes a US$7 million AAV and a full-no movement clause for the next two seasons - and shifts to a modified no-trade for the final three. So, Kadri would need to agree to any deal to Winnipeg.
There is a possibility of making a deal work if Perfetti were to sign a cheaper short term bridge deal, but the most ideal situation for the Jets would be a trade deadline acquisition in 2025.
Should the Jets go after Kadri? Answer our Jets Latest poll to have your say!
| POLL | ||
16 AOUT | 84 ANSWERS Nazem Kadri is exactly what the Jets need Should the Jets go after Nazem Kadri? | ||
| Yes | 47 | 56 % |
| No | 37 | 44 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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