Rumblings of a 'mega offer' for Nazem Kadri.

We are now several days into the free agency process in the National Hockey League but in spite of that former Colorado Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri has yet to sign a new contract. That comes as something of a surprise given that he is coming off what was inarguably the best season of his NHL career, one that saw him put up 28 goals and 59 assists for 87 points in just 71 regular season games with the Stanley Cup winning Avalanche this past season.

As a result of Kadri's continued availability on the open market a number of rumors have emerged connecting to the various teams, with one rumor in particular linking him to a 'mega offer' from the Calgary Flames who just lost star winger Johnny Gaudreau in free agency. Recently NHL insider Elliotte Friedman addressed this rumor and cautioned Flames fans that they shouldn't get their hopes up.

"Just a quick thing about Nazem Kadri and Calgary," began Friedman on the last 32 Thoughts Podcast of the season. "There were some reports out there that Calgary was making Kadri a mega offer, I don't think that's the case. At least not as I do this on Friday morning. I think the Flames and Kadri have talked. I think the Flames are trying to be careful."

The insider did not dismiss the notion of Kadri signing in Calgary completely, however he did dismiss the notion that there would be any kind of outlandish offer on the part of the Flames.

"If the Flames do really go into this, and I got a sense that it wasn't necessarily the case, I don't think it's going to be with a massive offer," said Friedman. "I think the Flames are trying to be smart and careful in the aftermath of what happened with Johnny Gaudreau. Even though they like Kadri, and tried to trade for him once, I don't think a massive offer is in the cards here."

If Kadri were going to sign in Calgary though wouldn't that deal have been done already? The Flames certainly have the cap space with Gaudreau coming off the books. Friedman however posited his own theory in regards to why things may be moving slowly when it comes to Kadri.

"I think what Kadri's doing, I've heard, is he is waiting because I think there are some teams who want to sign him and the need to clear room," said Friedman. "I think Colorado is still a possibility and I think the Islanders would be someone else, but I wouldn't assume those are the only 2. So that's kind of where we are. But I think some teams have said 'This is our offer, but we need to do something first' so I think he's waiting a little bit."