In this edition of NHL Quick Hits, I’ll look at some news emerging from around the NHL. This news includes Nazem Kadri, Kris Letang, and a host of skating wounded from the Lighting.
Quick Hit One: Where Will Nazem Kadri Sign?
The Colorado Avalanche just won the Stanley Cup, and there’s a great chance that their second-line center Nazem Kadri will win the jackpot with his new contract. The question is: “Will that contract be in Colorado?”
Kadri is on an expiring contract and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agency. However, he’s clear that his desire would be to re-sign with the Avalanche.
Kadri mentioned that his first choice would be to return to the Avalanche when he was interviewed yesterday by Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne. During that interview, Kadri wondered aloud how could he not be interested in returning to the Avalanche?
Kadri noted, “The Kroenke’s (owners of the team) have been great supporters of mine and made it clear to me that they’d like me to stay also but we understand that there’s a business aspect involved.” However, as Kadri noted, “We’re going to try to work together.”
However, Kadri was careful to add, “I’ve shown what my worth is and I’m just looking forward to watching this all develop.”
Funny, I cannot imagine that he would price himself out of staying with Colorado. Obviously, Kadri should attract plenty of interest from other teams, but given his history of wanting to stay with a team where he feels at home (which he does in Colorado), I can’t see him moving.
Quick Hit Two: Kris Letang & Penguins Aren’t Seeing Eye to Eye on Term
It’s not that the Pittsburgh Penguins don’t want Kris Letang to return to the team; and, it’s not like Letang doesn’t want to return. It’s just for how much and for how long. Letang wants a five-year deal and the Penguins want him to sign a deal for three years.
As far as the amount, the rumor is that Letang is seeking over $8 million a season. There’s been no word about how much the Penguins are offering. Letang, a right-shot defenseman, is coming off a fantastic season, scoring 10 goals and adding 58 assists (for 68 points) in 78 games. He also eats up ice time, averaging just under 26 minutes a game (25:47 minutes to be exact).
With July 13 around the corner, and Letang able to sign with another team, it would seem the two would try to negotiate something in between. Likely, this contract will be Letang’s last one. He’s 35 years old; and, although it’s worked before with some defensemen staying into their 40s, it’s easy to see why the Penguins don’t want to re-sign him until he’s had his 40th birthday.
Quick Hit Three: It Was a Tough Postseason for the Tampa Bay Lightning
If you think that getting out of the Eastern Conference was easy, look at the toll that was exacted on the Tampa Bay Lightning team. By the time they emerged from the Eastern Conference and finished the Stanley Cup final, much of the team was reduced to the skating wounded.
Here’s a bit of a list:
First, Anthony Cirelli had a dislocated shoulder during the Stanley Cup Final. He still played in all six games of the Stanley Cup Final.
Second, Brandon Hagel fractured his foot during the second round. However, he didn’t miss a single playoff game.
Third, Nick Paul suffered both an MCL sprain and a shoulder AC joint sprain. He averaged 18:18 minutes a game and didn’t miss any of them.
Fourth, Corey Perry played with a shoulder AC joint sprain. He played in all 23 of his team’s playoff games. (By the way, this was his third Stanley Cup Final in the last three years. He’s felt this way for three offseasons in a row.
Fifth, Ryan McDonagh blocked a shot against the New York Rangers, which left with a “mangled” finger. He averaged 22:58 minutes in the Stanley Cup Final despite his injury.
Sixth, Nikita Kucherov suffered a meniscus (in his knee joint) injury. Regardless, he had 27 points in 23 playoff games and was the fourth-best scorer during the postseason.
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