The Calgary Flames are entering the trade deadline with a couple of serious cards to play, and Nazem Kadri might just be the ace in the deck.
Fresh off a 35-goal season, Kadri hasn't quite hit those same numbers this year, but that hasn't cooled the interest around the league. He's still a highly coveted piece-especially for playoff-bound teams looking to add some bite and experience down the middle. And now, it sounds like he’s open to a move.
That’s a shift from where things stood not long ago. Earlier in the season, the Flames reportedly had no intention of moving Kadri, and the veteran center was said to be content staying put. But things change quickly in the NHL, and now multiple sources indicate Kadri has let the Flames know he’s willing to be dealt.
Montreal Emerging as a Real Player
One of the most intriguing potential destinations? The Montreal Canadiens.
Kadri has been linked to the Canadiens off and on for more than a year, but the prevailing belief was that Montreal was on his 13-team no-trade list-a clause built into his contract that gives him some control over where he can be sent. That would’ve made any deal tricky unless Kadri agreed to waive it.
But here’s the twist: new reporting suggests Montreal isn’t on that no-trade list after all. That changes everything.
With that roadblock potentially out of the way, the Canadiens become a very realistic landing spot-and a compelling one at that.
Why Kadri Fits in Montreal
Let’s start with the obvious: Kadri is a Toronto native who grew up a fan of the Canadiens. That kind of personal connection doesn’t always factor into trade decisions, but it certainly doesn’t hurt.
More importantly, Montreal is a team on the rise. They’ve been hunting for a top-six center to help anchor their forward group, and Kadri checks every box.
He brings playoff pedigree, leadership, and a gritty, two-way game that’s tailor-made for postseason hockey. He’s not just a scorer-he’s a tone-setter. That’s the kind of player you want on your side when the games tighten up in April and May.
From Montreal’s perspective, adding Kadri could be the kind of move that pushes them from playoff hopeful to legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference. They’ve got a young core that’s maturing fast, and Kadri would bring the kind of veteran presence that can help galvanize a locker room when the pressure ratchets up.
What Calgary Could Get in Return
Of course, the Flames aren’t just giving Kadri away. They’re in a position to demand a significant return-and Montreal has the assets to make it happen.
Here’s what could be on the table:
- A full complement of first, second, and third-round picks over the next three drafts
- Michael Hage, a 2024 first-round selection currently playing for the University of Michigan in the NCAA
- Alexander Zharkovsky, a 2025 second-rounder who's developing in the KHL
That’s a deep well of future talent, and Calgary-clearly leaning into a retool or rebuild-would be very interested in that kind of package. They’ve already moved Rasmus Andersson and could keep the momentum going by flipping Kadri for pieces that better align with their long-term vision.
Deadline Watch: Keep an Eye on This One
There’s still time before the trade deadline, but this is a situation that’s heating up. Kadri’s willingness to move, combined with Montreal’s need and available assets, makes this a potential blockbuster in the making.
It’s rare to see a player with Kadri’s resume and impact available midseason. If a deal comes together, it won’t just be a needle-mover-it could reshape the playoff picture in the East.
Keep this one circled. Kadri to Montreal might not just make sense-it might be inevitable.