After a bit of a lull, there’s renewed traction in trade discussions surrounding Nazem Kadri - and things might be heating up again in Calgary.
Kadri, the veteran center with a Stanley Cup ring and a reputation for gritty, high-skill play, has been a name floating around the rumor mill this season. For a while, talks cooled off, partly due to the shifting market for centers.
With players like Robert Thomas unexpectedly drawing interest, teams may have momentarily pivoted their focus elsewhere. But now, according to league chatter, Kadri’s market is starting to pick back up.
One team that’s reportedly checked in? Utah.
While it’s unclear how serious those talks have gotten, the interest is real - and it speaks to Kadri’s value as a battle-tested middle-six center who can bring leadership and playoff experience to a locker room. Utah’s inquiry suggests they’re at least exploring the idea of adding a player with Kadri’s edge and postseason pedigree.
As for Calgary, they’re not shutting the door on a deal. In fact, they’ve made it known to teams that they’re open to multiple trade structures.
One option is the traditional “futures” package - think a first-round pick and a prospect, similar to the kind of return the Islanders got in a Brock Nelson-type deal. But the Flames are also entertaining the idea of a “hockey trade” - a player-for-player swap that brings back a younger NHL-ready player under team control.
That approach would give Calgary a piece they can plug into their lineup now, not just another name in the pipeline.
Kadri’s no-move clause has also been part of the conversation. There was some confusion about whether Montreal was on his list of blocked destinations, but it appears he can be traded there without needing to sign off. That’s a small detail, but a potentially important one as teams weigh their options ahead of the deadline.
Bottom line: Kadri’s name is back in circulation, and Calgary’s front office is listening. Whether it’s a contender looking for a playoff-tested center or a retooling team seeking leadership and edge, Kadri brings a lot to the table. With the deadline approaching, don’t be surprised if this situation continues to gain momentum.