I don't see Kadri holding that much value with his contract. Father time is just around the corner, and when he comes knocking, it can be a really quick and sudden regression, then whomever is left holding that deal has no choice but to keep it. From that perspective, it just makes sense to unload it if someone is willing to take him without retention.
I think it makes absolute sense for a contender to come knocking with a hole in their 3rd line centre spot - will instantly make their third line among the best in the NHL, and gives them insurance in case one of the top two centres goes down.
I imagine there would be a handful of teams calling about Kadri, and I would bet every team would want to mitigate future risk by having the Flames retain on that deal. Hopefully if a trade does happen, Calgary can trade Kadri without retention for a decent asset. If I am a contender, I am looking at my window and trying to figure out how many years I have left, vs how many years Kadri has left at playing at a reasonable level. 5 seasons (including this one) left on his deal. Does he have 2? 3? Or do you see his decreased scoring so far this year (on pace for 43 pts this year) a sign that he is regressing?
That's the danger with trying to keep him. At some point, someone is going to be left holding that bag, and the only question is: "How many years?"
So far this year, I think he has been mostly fine other than too many stretches playing with blinders on. I am betting his production sees a bit of an uptick. I just think at this point I am taking it season-by-season in trying to guess how he will do.
If I am Treliving, I am thinking that this is the best chance to win a cup in Toronto, so I would be trying to add Kadri. Not sure they have the assets to try to add Cozens, but I am sure that Buffalo would want a bit of a premium on Cozens over what the Flames would do for Kadri.
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