NHL Rumors: Nazem Kadri Linked to Surprise Team via Free Agency

The Nazem Kadri sweepstakes are going to be fun to watch as the Colorado Avalanche forward is set to hit the open market on July 13. Coming off a monster season, it was impeccable timing for Kadri to play so well during a contract year. He won a Stanley Cup, after a regular season where he put up 87 points in 71 games. There's going to be a ton of interest in the 31-year-old center in free agency as the Avs won't be interested in paying market value for their second-line center.

While the likes of the Seattle Kraken and Calgary Flames have been linked to Kadri in the past, hockey insider Chris Johnston inserted a surprise team in his latest column on free agency:

The soon-to-be 32-year-old had hoped to remain in Colorado for another shot at the Stanley Cup, but the Avalanche aren’t likely going to be able to pay market rate. The uber-competitive Kadri will have options. Don’t sleep on Detroit, either, given the Red Wings need for help down the middle and the city’s close proximity to Kadri’s hometown.

Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman has done a hell of a job drafting these past few seasons and the team is starting to take shape. The Wings already acquired and signed Ville Husso this summer, showing they are getting serious about winning. Kadri signing would be a hell of a statement in Motown.

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