Flames sign Kadri to 7-year deal, trade Monahan to Canadiens

The Calgary Flames signed unrestricted free agent Nazem Kadri to a seven-year contract carrying a $7 million average annual value, the team announced Thursday.

Calgary is also trading longtime center Sean Monahan and a conditional first-round pick in 2025 to the Montreal Canadiens for future considerations to accommodate Kadri's deal. The Flames entered the day with approximately $2.7 million in cap space, according to Cap Friendly, and get an additional $6.375 million off the books by moving Monahan.

Monahan, a three-time 30-goal scorer, dealt with major hip injuries in recent years. The 27-year-old was limited to 65 games this past season, didn't appear in the playoffs, and registered a career-low 23 points.

"On behalf of the entire Flames organization, I sincerely thank Sean for his nine years of selfless dedication and perseverance," general manager Brad Treliving said. "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."

Kadri was the top player remaining on the open market. He posted 87 points in 71 games last season with the Colorado Avalanche and played a significant role in helping the club capture the Stanley Cup.

The Flames and Kadri have been talking since free agency opened in July, according to Sportsnet's Eric Francis.

"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 honor, 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.

Kadri nixed a trade to the Flames in 2019 before the Toronto Maple Leafs dealt him to the Avalanche. The veteran center said at the time he had "nothing against Calgary" and vetoed the move because he wanted to remain with the team that drafted him in 2009.

Calgary, the reigning Pacific Division champion, has been one of the league's busiest teams this offseason. It lost Johnny Gaudreau in free agency, then dealt Matthew Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers for a package headlined by Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar. After the trade, the Flames inked Huberdeau to an eight-year, $84-million extension.