INSIDER: Four teams remain in the Nazem Kadri sweepstakes

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Ryan
July 30, 2022 (12:08)

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We are now 17 days into free agency and the second best player that was available is still without a contract. Stanley Cup Champion Nazem Kadri went into free agency with a lot of hope that teams would be swarming over him to get his services at center.

Kadri had a career year last season scoring 87 points in 71 games and was well on pace for over 100 if he didn't get injured. He then followed it up with 15 points in 16 playoff games while playing through a broken hand to help his team win the Stanley Cup.

While we were definitely expecting to see Kadri signed by now, there has been plenty of speculation that a deal has been made but he is waiting on a team to clear some cap space. Or it is possible there just is not a market for him this season.

According to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman on his 32 Thoughts Podcast, it is down to 4 remaining teams who are interested in his services:

I think the Isles are in on it. I also originally thought the Avs had pulled out, but someone told me it wasn't over. If I had to take a chance, and believe me, this is just a guess, I would say Colorado and NYI are probably the favorites.

"I think there has been some interest from Calgary, but I find that rather difficult to quantify. I wouldn't be surprised if you were right about Detroit being in on it as well. There could always be another team interested in his services, but I think those four teams have a bit of a lead."

EF Cont'd: "I think there has been some interest from Calgary but I find it very hard to quantify and I wouldn't be surprised if you were right about Detroit kicking around there too. It could always be someone other than those four but that's kind of where I think it is"� NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) July 29, 2022