As the Olympics wrap up and the NHL gears up for its return, the Montreal Canadiens are looking poised to make a significant move. With the trade deadline approaching, they might be in the market for a top-six forward, and the Calgary Flames could be a potential trade partner if the financials align.
Nazem Kadri, known for his elite two-way play, has been a hot topic in trade discussions. This season, it seems more likely than ever that he'll move on from the Flames. His $7 million cap hit is a hurdle, but if the Canadiens can navigate that, Kadri could be a perfect fit.
At 35, Kadri has tallied 10 goals and 29 assists for 39 points in 56 games this season. Over his career, spanning 1041 games, he has accumulated 317 goals and 432 assists, averaging 0.72 points per game.
Let's dive into a hypothetical trade scenario where Kadri heads to Montreal. While there have been whispers of interest from the Canadiens, there's no confirmed trade talk between the teams yet.
Canadiens Land Kadri, Flames Get a Package
For this deal to materialize, a few things need to happen. Kadri must be open to joining the Canadiens, and with his 13-team no-trade list, it's possible he might agree. The Canadiens would also need to clear cap space, potentially by moving Brendan Gallagher and his $6.5 million cap hit, to accommodate Kadri's contract.
Initially, there was speculation about the Flames taking on Patrik Laine at half retention as part of the deal. However, that's unlikely.
Instead, the Canadiens could acquire Kadri by sending Kirby Dach, Owen Beck, their 2026 first-round pick, and a 2026 fourth-round pick to Calgary. This would give the Flames a solid forward in Dach, a promising prospect in Beck, and two valuable draft picks to strengthen their future.
For the Canadiens, landing Kadri could be the key to a deep playoff run. His championship experience and proven playoff performance would elevate the team from a pretender to a potential contender. If Kadri can bring his playoff magic to Montreal, the Canadiens might just surprise everyone and make a serious push for the Cup.