The Calgary Flames announced Thursday afternoon that the team had signed center Nazem Kadri to a seven-year, $49 million deal.
Flames GM general manager Brad Treliving said the addition of the “very competitive top six player” gives the team a deeper central ice position.
“He brings a high level of skill and determination to our group, combined with his recent experience at a Stanley Cup championship. We look forward to welcoming Nazem and his family to Calgary and his contribution to our team’s ultimate success,” Treliving said in a press release.
Kadri, who comes to Calgary via the Colorado Avalanche, said Thursday was an exciting day for his family.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join such a passionate fan base and organization,” he said of the Flames’ release.
“I have 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 honor and a pleasure. I would love nothing more than to see another banner in Calgary. Go flames go.”
Kadri’s last season was his best statistically, the Flames said Thursday while campaigning for the deal, noting the London, Ontario native’s 28 goals and 59 assists for 87 points in 71 games and seven goals and eight assists for 15 Scored 16 Stanley Cup playoff games that ended with him winning the Stanley Cup.
Drafted by Toronto in 2009, Kadri played 10 seasons for the club before moving to Colorado where he played the last two seasons.
Monahan continues
Meanwhile, the Flames also announced Thursday that team center had traded Sean Monahan and a conditional 2025 first-round pick to the Montreal Canadiens for “future considerations.”
Treliving thanked Monahan on behalf of the Flames for nine years of “selfless devotion and perseverance.”
“Sean was an amazing flame, a first class human being who exemplified the definition of respect,” Treliving said in a press release.
“Our team and our city have been fortunate to have him as a player, an ambassador and a member of our community. We wish Sean and his wife Brittany every success in this new chapter of their lives and say thank you again.”
Monahan’s season ended in early April after undergoing surgery on his right hip.
Monahan had one year left on his seven-year, $44.62 million contract with the Flames.