As the NHL Trade Deadline approaches, the buzz surrounding teams outside playoff contention is getting louder, and the Calgary Flames are right in the thick of it. The spotlight is now on Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman, with TSN’s Darren Dreger shedding light on Kadri’s situation in a recent Insider Trading segment.
Dreger revealed that the Flames are actively exploring trade options for Kadri, who is reportedly eager to move on. This marks a shift from earlier reports suggesting Kadri was merely "open" to a trade. At 35, Kadri’s competitive spirit is undeniable, and with four consecutive playoff misses with the Flames, his desire to join a contender is understandable.
Could the Colorado Avalanche be Kadri’s next destination? Chris Johnston, also on Insider Trading, highlighted that the Avalanche, after their recent Samuel Girard/Brett Kulak trade, have around $8 million in cap space. They’re on the hunt for a forward, and Kadri’s name is in the mix.
A return to the Avalanche could be a perfect fit for Kadri, bolstering their center depth behind Nathan MacKinnon and Brock Nelson. Kadri’s familiarity with the Avalanche locker room and his previous Stanley Cup victory with the team make this move even more appealing. With Cale Makar’s contract discussions looming, the Avalanche are in win-now mode, and adding Kadri could thwart division rivals like the Minnesota Wild and Dallas Stars from strengthening their rosters.
What might the Flames get in return for Kadri? Calgary is likely seeking a substantial package for one of their key forwards.
The Avalanche hold first-round picks for 2027 and 2028 but are short on prospects, having traded away three of their four first-round selections since 2020. Mikhail Gulyayev, a promising left-shot defenseman, remains in Russia.
Two potential trade pieces from Colorado are right-shot winger Gavin Brindley and goalie Ilya Nabokov. Brindley, a gritty two-way player, has shown promise despite questions about his size.
Meanwhile, Nabokov, son of legendary goalie Evgeni Nabokov, has impressed in the KHL and could soon make the jump to the NHL. With the Flames needing depth behind goalie Dustin Wolf, Nabokov could be a smart addition.
While finding the right trade formula won’t be easy, it’s not out of reach. The Flames might need to retain some of Kadri’s salary, but with the right incentives from the Avalanche, a deal could be highly beneficial.
With Kadri’s eagerness to join a contender and his strong ties to the Avalanche, a trade seems increasingly likely as the deadline looms. Keep an eye on this developing story as the clock ticks down.