With the Olympic break looming and the NHL trade deadline fast approaching, the Calgary Flames are firmly in seller mode - and one name drawing serious attention is veteran center Nazem Kadri. The Flames are out of the playoff picture, and Kadri, with his playoff pedigree and reliable production, is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing players on the market.
A trio of teams - the Minnesota Wild, Carolina Hurricanes, and Detroit Red Wings - are reportedly circling, each with their own reasons for eyeing Kadri, and each with the trade assets to make something happen. But prying Kadri out of Calgary won’t come cheap.
The 33-year-old is under contract at $7 million annually through the 2028-29 season and holds a modified no-trade clause, giving him some control over where he lands. Still, centers who can contribute at both ends of the ice and bring playoff experience don’t hit the market every day.
That alone keeps Kadri’s value high.
Let’s break down the potential fits.
Minnesota Wild: All-In, But Tight on Capital
Minnesota already made headlines this season by pulling off the blockbuster deal for defenseman Quinn Hughes - a move that cost them three prospects and a draft pick. That trade signaled the Wild’s intent to contend now, but it also tightened their flexibility moving forward.
With Kirill Kaprizov’s big contract on the books and more cap headaches looming, Minnesota might not have the luxury of waiting until the offseason to bolster their center depth. Kadri would give them a proven top-six option down the middle, but the question is whether they have enough left in the cupboard - and the cap space - to make another splash.
Carolina Hurricanes: A Scoring Boost Up the Middle
Carolina’s front office has been busy, too. After dealing Mikko Rantanen, the Canes picked up two first-round picks, one of which they’ve already flipped for defenseman K’Andre Miller.
That leaves them with one more first-rounder to play with - and Kadri could be the piece that helps them round out their forward group. Scoring has been the Hurricanes’ Achilles heel in recent playoff runs, and Kadri brings a consistent offensive touch.
He’s scored at least 24 goals in each of the last four seasons heading into this one, and his gritty, playoff-tested style fits the Canes’ identity. If they want to make a deep run, adding Kadri could be the kind of move that pays off in May and June.
Detroit Red Wings: Ending the Drought
Then there’s Detroit - a team that’s been knocking on the door and is finally in position to break through. The Red Wings currently sit second in the Atlantic Division and are hungry to end a nine-year playoff drought.
Adding Kadri would give them another experienced center to support Dylan Larkin and provide depth for a postseason push. GM Steve Yzerman has already shown he’s not afraid to swing big - Detroit was in on the Quinn Hughes sweepstakes before Minnesota landed him - so it’s clear the front office is ready to deal.
Kadri’s two-way game and leadership could be exactly what this group needs to get over the hump.
What Comes Next
The Flames are holding a valuable trade chip in Kadri, and they know it. His contract and trade protection complicate things a bit, but his playoff experience, scoring touch, and ability to play in all situations make him one of the more desirable players available.
With multiple contenders in the mix and the deadline drawing closer, this is a situation worth watching closely. Whether it’s Minnesota doubling down, Carolina addressing a key need, or Detroit pushing all-in to end a long playoff absence, Kadri’s next move could have major implications for the postseason picture.