Veteran free agent can be just what the Winnipeg Jets need to fill in center role

Most of the GM's around the league are just coasting through the rest of the off-season, as many UFA's have been signed. But they are also thinking about filling in any needed slots with veteran talent.

That takes us to Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff. He has had a successful off-season taking care of almost everything needed with the one exception of restricted free agent Cole Perfetti.

He has about $6 million in cap space still, according to Puckpedia, to sign Perfetti if the two sides can come to terms on length and dollar amounts of a deal. That would also allow for players and new head coach Scott Arniel to get an idea on how the coach will utilize his skill sets and vision for the team.

Perfetti went into the season last year as the second line center, but in short time was used on the wings. Arniel did say that Perfetti will be in line to compete for the 2C gig, especially with Sean Monahan's free agency departure to Columbus.

It seems like the second line center job has been up in the air since 2018 when Stastny left the team. The Jets can try to stick with homegrown guys like Perfetti or Brad Lambert. Even the versatile Vladislav Namestnikov's name has been in the mix for this years second line center.

But, there is someone else that could provide some veteran leadership if the Jets were to try to get make a deadline deal. Nazem Kadri.

Kadri is ready to start his third year in his seven-year $49 million deal with the Flames. But that would give the Jets a long-term solution with four solid years still on his contract.

Kadri is turning 34 years old, but still plays with skill and an edge. He produced 75 points (29G, 46A) in 82 games last season and has surpassed 20 or more goals in a season six times.

He is well known for his role in the Avalanche's 2022 Stanley Cup season. He overcame injury to his thumb to score the OT game winner in Game 4 to put the Avalanche up 3-1 in the series that year.

Kadri does have a no-movement clause in his deal, so he would have to agree to this trade. The Jets, although they have room in cap space, with his $7 million a year hit would put them over. But maybe they would be able to work in some retention to the deal with Calgary.

It is something to think about, as the salary cap will rise over the next few seasons and the hit will not be as hard. But options are out there for the Jets, let's see if anything comes of it.

As Read On: Winnipeg Free Press -
Kadri just what the Jets need