NHL Rumors: Is Nazem Kadri heading to the Islanders, plus Jesper Bratt arbitration
Anthony Scultore
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Nazem Kadri remains an unsigned free agent, but it appears that one team may be closing in on the 31 year-old center.
Fresh off a Stanley Cup victory with the Colorado Avalanche, Kadri is in line for a hefty increase along the lines of $7M to $8M per season after earning $4.5M a year on his last contract. That’s only natural after posting 87 points in 71 games in 2021-22. He also added 15 points in 16 playoff contests.
During ESPN’s broadcast of free agent frenzy, Kevin Weekes reported that Kadri had several teams in on him and he was mulling things over. It’s been almost three weeks since that news came across and yet we’re still waiting.
NHL Rumors: Islanders closing in on Nazem Kadri
One team that has been consistently attached to Kadri has been the New York Islanders.
Of course, with Lou Lamoriello in charge getting details is difficult but rumblings continue and it sounds like it may be getting closer.
Per David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, he notes that there are multiple transactions involved pertaining to Kadri’s ultimate signing.
Per CapFriendly, the Isles have $11.1 million in available cap space with 19 players under contract. While that seems like enough, they have to sign RFA’s Noah Dobson and Keifer Bellows as well. In addition, the Isles need to make sure they can lock up Mathew Barzal longterm as his contract is up next summer.
Several Islanders have been rumored as possible trade candidate. They include:
- Josh Bailey, 32 (2 years remaining, $5M AAV)
- Anthony Beauvillier, 25 (2 years remaining, $4.15M AAV)
- Semyon Varlamov, 34 (1 year remaining, $5M AAV)
Jesper Bratt arbitration update
Bratt, 24, exploded for 73 points in 76 games last season. The winger is entering his sixth NHL season and is heading for an arbitration hearing.
According to multiple reports, Bratt is seeking $6.5M while the Devils are offering $4.15M. The winger is coming off a 2-year deal that came with a $2.75M cap hit.
Both sides are expected to reach a deal in advance of the hearing scheduled for Wednesday (8/3/2022).
