As the NHL calendar flips to December, the Dallas Stars are heating up at just the right time. While other teams are beginning to separate into playoff hopefuls and early draft watchers, Dallas is already making a clear case that they belong in the contender column. And with the NHL Trade Deadline slowly coming into view, the Stars could be looking to reinforce their roster for a deep postseason push.
One name that continues to surface in connection with Dallas is Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri. The Stars have reportedly had their eye on Kadri since the offseason, and the interest hasn’t cooled. According to recent reporting, Dallas is still very much in the mix for the veteran forward-and there’s a good reason why.
Kadri brings a blend of grit, experience, and scoring touch that aligns perfectly with what Dallas has been trying to add to its lineup. As Jeff Marek recently noted, the Stars have long been in the market for a player with some edge to his game-someone who can bring a little snarl to the lineup.
Last season, when a Kadri deal didn’t materialize, Dallas pivoted to Mikael Granlund. They also reportedly pursued physical winger Mathieu Olivier from Columbus, underscoring their desire to add players who can push back and bring intensity to the ice.
Now, Kadri isn’t Olivier-he’s a much more complete player, with a Stanley Cup ring and a resume that includes over 90 goals and 200-plus points in his time with Calgary. But the underlying theme is the same: Dallas wants players who can bring a little bite to the lineup, especially when the games get tighter and tougher in the postseason.
With Calgary sitting near the bottom of the standings, Kadri has become a logical trade candidate. He’s one of the more intriguing names on the market, especially in a year where top-six centers are in short supply. That scarcity only boosts his value-and Dallas knows it.
The fit makes sense on multiple levels. Kadri’s style would complement the Stars’ existing core, giving them a forward who doesn’t shy away from the dirty areas but also has the skill to make plays when it matters. In a Western Conference loaded with heavy, skilled teams, adding a player like Kadri could be the kind of move that gives Dallas the extra edge they’ll need to navigate a deep playoff run.
This is one to keep an eye on as the trade market starts to take shape. The Stars are already a legitimate threat in the West-but if they land Kadri, they might just take that next step from contender to favorite.