TAMPA, FL - JUNE 26: Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri (91) hoisting the Stanley Cup during the NHL Hockey Stanley Cup Finals Game six between Tampa Bay Lightning and the Colorado Avalanche on June 26th, 2022 at Amalie Arena in Tampa Florida

Kadri: I'd love to stay with Avs, but 'I've shown what my worth is'

4 years ago
Icon Sportswire / Getty

Nazem Kadri is set to cash in after enjoying a career year right before entering unrestricted free agency. Even though his value is at an all-time high, his No. 1 choice would be returning to the Colorado Avalanche.

"How could it not be?" Kadri said on Sportsnet's Real Kyper and Bourne.

He added: "The Kroenkes 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. We're going to try to work together."

Kadri set personal bests in assists (59) and points (87) in just 71 games and came up four goals shy of matching his career high of 32. He was excellent during the postseason, too, registering 15 points in 16 games. Kadri also scored the overtime winner in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final in his first contest back from thumb surgery.

Even though he's set to enter his age-32 campaign, Kadri will be a hot commodity on the open market.

"I’ve shown what my worth is, and I'm just looking forward to watching this all develop," he said.

Kadri's previous contract paid him $4.5 million annually, but he's expected to receive a sizable raise - whether it be from Colorado or another team.

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