There was considerable noise and speculation surrounding Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri. This speculation goes back to last season. Nevertheless, with the Flames ending with 96 points a season ago, just missing out on the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the goal for them is to make the playoffs next season. Keeping Kadri in the combo would help them accomplish that goal.
As NHLRumors.com has documented, Flames General Manager Craig Conroy just isn’t seeking to move their primary center. As a matter of fact, Conroy is seeking to get a number two center. With the goal being the Stanley Cup Playoffs and improving, why would he wish to move out a player like Kadri and now attempt to fill two center positions when the middle market is thin because it is.
But that has not stopped the speculation and potential trade possibilities. As NHLRumors.com recently published via Ryan Dixon of Sportsnet, he checked out five potential trade destinations for Nazem Kadri. We’re going to examine these trade destinations and explain why, in theory, they make sense, but in fact, don’t.
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are looking for a second-line center, and Nazem Kadri can be an ideal fit; nevertheless, as Jimmy Murphy of RG Media explains, there’s currently little interest in Kadri.
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Why would the #GoHabsGo be all for 34-year old Nazem Kadri?@MurphysLaw74: “Talking to a team source with the Canadiens… there’s no interest there without delay”#thesickpodcast @TonyMarinaro pic.twitter.com/mydJVKlhGr
— The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) July 16, 2025
It doesn’t make sense what the Canadiens are constructing. Kadri is entering his fourth-year of a seven-year contract that pays him $7 million per season. That may be a hefty price for a team that’s up against the cap before moving out Carey Price’s contract. Not to say, that is the yr the Canadiens are presupposed to make the playoffs. They’re still within the technique of drafting, developing, and constructing a gradual playoff contender.
Plus, what do the Canadiens have that the Flames would want that might keep the Flames in contention within the West? Much like the St. Louis Blues, who didn’t want to trade for Kirby Dach, are the Flames wanting to get Dach in return? They would need for Nick Suzuki or a player of that calibre. This doesn’t make sense. Not now, possibly in a while.
Latest Jersey Devils
You may read more about how Kadri matches with the Devils at DevilsNation.com. Kadri is the proper form of player for the Devils, especially at the middle position. Much like the Canadiens, if the team was a bit away from winning the Stanley Cup at a degree, and the Flames were willing to retain, then that may be okay. But are the Devils willing to pay Kadri $7 million a season over the subsequent 4 seasons to play third-line center? Yes, you’ll be able to move Jack Hughes to the wing, but does it make sense at the moment? Not to say, will Dawson Mercer be the piece that moves the needle? It’s going to even be a top prospect, in addition to one other player or pick. Remember, the Flames wish to remain competitive.
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Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are an interesting team. They only signed Nikolaj Ehlers in free agency and have $10 million in cap space and will tackle the entire salary. GM Eric Tulsky has been aggressive this offseason, acquiring K’Andre Miller. Adding Kadri would give the Hurricanes depth down the center. Kadri would slot in behind Sebastian Aho turning the veteran Jordan Staal into the third-line center he has turn into.
While the Hurricanes have the first-round draft pick in 2028, what else have they got that may be enticing for the Flames to maneuver Kadri to Carolina? Logan Stankoven, whom the Hurricanes got within the Mikko Rantanen trade, is signed up long-term. Jackson Blake just signed a brand new long-term deal to remain in Carolina. The Flames are usually not taking over Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s contract. A man that might get it done is Seth Jarvis. He makes $7,420,087 a season and is in yr two of a seven-year deal. Oh, and he doesn’t have trade protection for a few more seasons. Jarvis keeps the Flames in playoff contention, but would the Hurricanes be willing to part with him for Kadri?
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche have been on the lookout for a substitute ever since Nazem Kadri left via free agency the yr the team won the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It has been a revolving door at the middle position for the Avalanche. First, it was Casey Mittelstadt who didn’t work. Most recently, it was Brock Nelson. The jury continues to be out on Nelson because he was there for the last 10-15 games of the season.
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The Avalanche just signed Nelson to a three-year contract extension at $7.5 million per yr. Which means they might be taking over 4 years at $7 million a season for Kadri. While it could possibly be suggested that Nelson could go to the wing once Kadri arrives, how can the Avalanche make all this money work with Cale Makar and Martin Necas due recent extensions? Now, Necas could possibly be moved within the deal, but again, is that a player that moves the needle for the Flames, and in that case, would he extend?
The Avalanche never desired to let Kadri go, but they’d no selection, being up against the cap. In the event that they had the advantage the Florida Panthers did of a rising cap, then possibly he continues to be in Colorado.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Looks as if every player is linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Kadri is a Brad Treliving-type player, but Kadri was run out of town due to the fan base and media in Toronto. People weren’t pleased that he got suspended on the improper time within the series. Kadri plays with an edge that’s obligatory to win the playoffs. Just have a look at Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand wth the Panthers.
The Leafs traded Kadri to Colorado and Tyson Barrie and Alexander Kerfoot as a part of the return. Nevertheless, the Maple Leafs don’t have the draft picks to make it work, nor the players to maintain Calgary in contention. Now, Treliving did get one among his former players via free agency in Chris Tanev. Nevertheless, the trade pieces are usually not there and Calgary isn’t retaining money in any of the deals.
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Again, the Calgary Flames don’t have any plans on trading Nazem Kadri. Outside of the five possible trade destinations, there is just one that might work. But again, Calgary wants players in return to assist them remain competitive. Immediately, all of the Kadri talk is theory. Let’s see how this plays out because the seasons roll on.
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