Kadri's signing in Calgary was a surprise, because many informants already saw him in the New York Islanders lineup.
It seemed almost settled. In the end, Lou Lamoriello and the Islanders dropped Kadri.
When asked about this earlier today, Kadri mentioned this:
There were also references to the Sean Monahan trade. So clearly, there was talk of a possible trade, and Lamoriello decided to call it all off.
A trade with the CH?
We have serious reason to believe that Lamoriello possibly had a trade in place, like the Flames, also with the Montreal Canadiens.
Kent Hughes was one of the only NHL general managers with the necessary cap space following the Carey Price announcement.
One imagines it was similar to the Monahan trade, but (unlike Flames GM Brad Treliving) the Islanders boss decided not to do it in the end.
Was forward Anthony Beauvillier involved? Is that really what happened? Was the CH receiving Beauvillier and a first round pick for future considerations?
We don't know, but it's certainly possible. It could explain Lamoriello's statements today and it fits with the information we have.
Remember that many very credible sources linked Beauvillier to the Montreal Canadiens.
The renowned Elliotte Friedman (Sportsnet) has also alluded to this possible transaction.
In short, unlike the Flames, the Islanders were not able to trade a big contract, so they lost Kadri.
Today, Lamoriello seemed to confirm that he had a trade in place, and we believe that the trade in question was with the Habs. That would explain a lot! Let's say it was and Kent Hughes offered a similar trade to the New York Islanders, would you have preferred Beauvillier or Monahan?
For the full press briefing :
POLL | ||
Who's the better player? | ||
Beauvillier | 110 | 35.6 % |
Monahan | 199 | 64.4 % |
List of polls |