The Calgary Flames signed a deal with Stanley Cup winner Nazem Kadri on Thursday.
In a news release, the Flames said it was a seven-year $7-million contract.
The 32-year-old London, Ont., native was a top contender for free agency after having won Lord Stanley with the Colorado Avalanche for the 2021-22 hockey season.
Kadri is coming off the best statistical season of his career, with 87 points (28 goals, 59 assists) in 71 games for the Avalanche in 2021-22.
“Nazem is a highly competitive top-six player who makes our centre ice position deep,” said general manager Brad Treliving. “He brings a high skill level and determination to our group combined with his recent experience of a Stanley Cup championship.
“We look forward to welcoming Nazem and his family to Calgary and his contributions to our team’s ultimate success.”
“This is an exciting day for my family,” Kadri said. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to join such a passionate fan base and organization.
“I’ve always loved the city of Calgary and I look forward to giving everything I have to this team.
“Winning a Stanley Cup is a true honour and it only makes you want it more. I would love nothing more but to see another banner in Calgary. Go Flames go,” Kadri said in the Thursday afternoon news release.
The left-shot centreman is an NHL veteran of 739 games split between the Toronto Maple Leafs (561) and the Colorado Avalanche (178) sporting 219 goals and 293 assists for 512 points in his career. Along with that come 52 games of Stanley Cup Playoffs experience with 19 goals and 25 assists for 44 points.
The Flames moved forward Sean Monahan to the Montreal Canadiens to create salary cap space for Kadri’s contract, according to Sportsnet and TSN.
In a statement from the team Thursday afternoon, the Flames confirmed they traded Monahan and a conditional 2025 first-round pick to the Montreal Canadiens “in exchange for future considerations.”
“On behalf of the entire Flames organization, I sincerely thank Sean for his nine years of selfless dedication and perseverance,” Treliving said in the news release.
“Sean was a great Flame, a first-class individual who exemplified the definition of respect. Our team and city were fortunate to have him as a player, ambassador and member of our community. We wish Sean and his wife Brittany every success in this new chapter of their lives and once again say thank you.”
Monahan, was selected sixth overall by the Flames back in 2013 and has played nine seasons with the Calgary club. The three-time 30-goal scorer tallied just eight goals and 15 assists for 23 points in 65 games last season.
Meantime, Kadri added 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 16 playoff games, including the overtime winner in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup final against Tampa Bay. That was his return to action after being injured in Game 3 of the Western Conference final after being hit from behind by Edmonton forward Evander Kane.
One could say this was a bit of a birthday present for Treliving as he celebrates his birthday on Thursday.
The Flames are coming off both a win and a loss on the roster having recently lost its leading scorer and Hart Trophy candidate Johnny Gaudreau to the Columbus Blue Jackets early in free agency. The team then lost star forward Matthew Tkachuk as he told the team he would not be signing a contract extension, and later was sent to Florida.
However, the Tkachuk deal came with a win for the team as the Flames signed not one, but two Canadian players. Forward Jonathan Huberdeau and Mackenzie Weegar became part of the organization on July 22.
During that deal with Florida, the Flames also received forward prospect Cole Schwindt and a conditional 2025 first-round pick.
Huberdeau was locked up shortly after with an eight-year, US$84-million contract extension.
Monahan, selected sixth overall by the Flames in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, has played nine seasons in Calgary. The three-time 30-goal scorer tallied just eight goals and 15 assists for 23 points in 65 games last season.
–With files from the Canadian Press and Emily Mertz, Global News