2022 Stanley Cup champion Nazem Kadri met with the media on Friday, one day after signing a seven-year, $49 million ($7 million AAV) contract with the Calgary Flames.
During his presser, Kadri explained why he chose the Flames as his destination, mentioning that they've been interested in him since Day 1 and highlighting his desire to join a contending team.
"It's certainly an elaborate process (the UFA market). The patience definitely did me some good. Calgary was always a team that was interested from Day 1. It was definitely a tricky process, there was some decisions to be made," Kadri said.
He added, "Ultimately, it's about winning, about being a contender. I feel that that played a huge factor in me coming to CGY - understanding that the time is now. It certainly could be close with the moves we've made and me hopping on board. I'm excited to meet the guys."
The London (Ontario) native became an unrestricted free agent on July 13th after spending the last three seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, winning the Stanley Cup with them this year.
Kadri's career-year in 2021-22 likely played a big factor in the dollar amount he received on this new contract from the Calgary Flames. In 71 games during the regular season, the 31-year-old put up 87 points (28 goals, 59 assists), 71 penalty minutes and was a plus-thirteen. He went on to add fifteen points during sixteen Stanley Cup Playoff games.
It's been a big summer for the Calgary Flames. First losing franchise star Johnny Gaudreau to the Columbus Blue Jackets in free agency. Then just over a week later, they traded Matthew Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers and received Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar as apart of the return. And now, signing Nazem Kadri to a long-term deal.
Will these moves make Calgary a contender for the 2023 Stanley Cup? Let us know your thoughts in the poll below!
Adds that "when it boiled down to decision-making time" him being a Canadian and playing in a CDN market again played factors.— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) August 19, 2022
More from Kadri: "Ultimately, it's about winning, about being a contender. I feel that that played a huge factor in me coming to CGY - understanding that the time is now. It certainly could be close with the moves we've made and me hopping on board. I'm excited to meet the guys."— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) August 19, 2022
