Nazem Kadri Reportedly Open to Trade: What It Means for the Flames and Potential Suitors
The Calgary Flames may not be done reshaping their roster, and one of their biggest chips could soon be on the move. According to recent reports, veteran center Nazem Kadri has expressed interest in being traded this season - and his preference is clear: he wants to join a contender.
Kadri’s name has been swirling in trade chatter for much of the year, and anyone who’s watched the Flames closely has likely picked up on his frustration. Whether it’s a visible shake of the head on the bench or a stick slammed in frustration after a tough shift, Kadri’s body language has told a story all its own. And now, that story may be heading toward a new chapter.
This isn’t a player looking to jump ship for just any opportunity. Kadri’s already won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche, and he’s not chasing a paycheck - he’s chasing another ring. That’s the kind of hunger that makes him an appealing target for playoff-bound teams looking to add a battle-tested, two-way center with a proven playoff pedigree.
The No-Trade Clause: A Manageable Obstacle
Kadri’s contract includes a 13-team no-trade list, which likely shields him from being sent to rebuilding squads or teams outside the playoff picture. But that’s not a roadblock - it’s just a bit of traffic.
Kadri wants to go to a contender, and most of those teams wouldn’t be on his no-go list anyway. In fact, there’s already been some smoke around Montreal showing interest in him earlier this season, and they’re not the only ones who could use a player with his edge and experience.
The Real Hurdle: The Contract
Here’s where things get tricky. Kadri carries a $7 million cap hit, and he’s signed for three more seasons after this one.
That’s a hefty number for any team, especially contenders already pressed up against the salary ceiling. Even with the cap projected to rise, adding a multi-year commitment of that size isn’t a small decision.
For the Flames, the question becomes: how much salary are they willing to retain? They’re already eating money on contracts for Rasmus Andersson and Jacob Markstrom, and NHL rules limit teams to retaining salary on only three deals at a time. If they retain on Kadri too, that’s their final slot - which could limit their flexibility in future trades.
So while Kadri’s desire to move is out in the open, the Flames’ ability to execute a deal that makes financial and strategic sense is a more complicated puzzle.
High Value, High Stakes
Still, there’s no denying Kadri’s value. He’s a top-six center who plays with an edge, wins faceoffs, kills penalties, and produces offensively - all while bringing the kind of playoff experience that teams crave in the stretch run. In a tightly contested Eastern Conference race, where a single move could tip the balance between a wild card berth and an early offseason, Kadri could be the kind of acquisition that puts a team over the top.
If Calgary plays this right - and if they’re willing to navigate the salary retention minefield - they could fetch a significant return. Prospects, picks, roster-ready talent... Kadri’s the kind of player who can command a serious package, especially from a team that sees itself as one piece away from a deep playoff run.
The clock is ticking, and the trade deadline looms. Kadri’s name just shot up the board, and if the Flames can find the right fit, this could be one of the biggest moves of the season.