Nazem Kadri Drawing Interest, But Flames in No Hurry to Move Veteran Center
With the NHL trade market heating up and the Calgary Flames already making waves by moving Rasmus Andersson, all eyes are now turning toward veteran center Nazem Kadri. According to league sources, there’s growing interest in Kadri, but any deal remains in the early stages - and Calgary isn’t exactly rushing to get something done.
Kadri, 35, still brings plenty to the table as a reliable second-line center. He’s got three years remaining on his contract at a $7 million cap hit, which is giving some teams pause.
The term is a sticking point, especially for contenders who are tight against the cap and wary of committing long-term money to an aging forward. That said, Kadri’s skill set - a blend of grit, scoring touch, and playoff pedigree - continues to make him a compelling option for teams looking to bolster their middle six.
Among the clubs reportedly kicking the tires: the Maple Leafs, Canadiens, Avalanche, Kings, and Stars. It’s a diverse list, ranging from teams with immediate Cup aspirations to those still building toward contention.
Kadri himself is said to be open to a move that helps both him and the Flames - he wants another shot at a championship but isn’t angling for the door. There’s mutual respect between the player and the organization, and that’s shaping the tone of the conversations.
For now, though, Calgary is playing this one patiently. They’re not under pressure to move Kadri, and unless an offer comes in that checks all the boxes - cap relief, young assets, and a clear path forward - they’re content to hold.
Blake Coleman Also Drawing Interest, But Flames Face a Tough Call
Kadri isn’t the only name in the Flames’ orbit drawing attention. Blake Coleman, another veteran forward with playoff experience and leadership qualities, is also generating buzz.
At 34, Coleman still plays with the kind of edge and versatility that make him a valuable piece for any contender. He’s under contract for one more season at just under $5 million, and that manageable number is part of what’s making him so attractive on the market.
Flames GM Craig Conroy is listening to offers, but he’s not committing to a move just yet. Coleman is a respected leader in the locker room, and the Flames are weighing that intangible heavily. Still, with interest picking up, Conroy isn’t ruling anything out.
“They’re quite ready to keep Coleman,” Conroy told TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, “but they can’t say 100 percent because there might be an offer that puts it over the top.”
Translation: if someone comes calling with the right mix of picks or prospects, Calgary might be willing to part with a key veteran - especially as they look to get younger and retool on the fly.
No Movement on J.T. Miller - and That’s Just Fine with the Rangers
Meanwhile, in New York, there’s been some chatter around J.T. Miller’s name, but don’t expect anything to come of it. Despite speculation, sources close to the situation say Miller has no intention of waiving his no-move clause - and just as importantly, the Rangers have no intention of asking him to.
GM Chris Drury has reportedly met with all players holding no-move clauses, including Miller and Artemi Panarin, and the message seems clear: the Rangers are sticking with their core. They traded for Miller last season, made him captain, and still believe in the reasons behind that decision.
So while other names may be floated as the deadline approaches, Miller shouldn’t be part of that conversation. He’s staying put - and the Rangers are just fine with that.
Bottom Line
As the trade deadline inches closer, the Flames are emerging as a team to watch. Kadri and Coleman are both drawing interest, but Calgary is in control of the pace and direction of those talks. They’re not tearing it down, but they’re listening - and if the right deal comes along, don’t be surprised if one or both veterans are on the move.
In New York, meanwhile, the Rangers are doubling down on their current group, with J.T. Miller firmly entrenched as a centerpiece. The market’s moving, but not everyone’s moving with it.