The Calgary Flames have made it clear - they’re not standing still. With the team in the early stages of a rebuild, the front office is actively reshaping the roster, and the recent trade of defenseman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights is just the beginning. Now, the spotlight shifts to a veteran forward who’s no stranger to the trade rumor mill: Nazem Kadri.
At 35 years old, Kadri isn’t the kind of player you typically see moved during a rebuild - he’s not a rental, and he still brings real value on and off the ice. That’s exactly why he’s drawing interest across the league.
With a $7 million cap hit, Calgary may need to retain some salary to make a deal work, but if they do, there’s no shortage of potential suitors. Let’s take a look at three teams that could make a strong push for Kadri - and why he’d fit right in.
Colorado Avalanche: A Familiar Fit
Sometimes, the best move is one that’s already been made - and for Kadri and the Colorado Avalanche, a reunion makes a lot of sense. Kadri was a crucial part of the Avs’ Stanley Cup run in 2022, bringing edge, scoring touch, and playoff poise to a team that needed exactly that. Since his departure, Colorado has been searching for the right piece down the middle behind Nathan MacKinnon.
They’ve found some recent stability with Brock Nelson, who’s done a solid job in the second-line center role. That could shift Kadri to the wing or into a third-line role, but make no mistake - his presence would still elevate Colorado’s depth and secondary scoring. And come playoff time, that depth can be the difference between an early exit and another championship banner.
Kadri already knows the system, the locker room, and the expectations in Colorado. It’s a plug-and-play situation that could give the Avs another gear heading into the postseason.
Carolina Hurricanes: Grit Meets Structure
The Hurricanes are one of the league’s most structurally sound teams - disciplined, defensively responsible, and relentless on the puck. But when the playoffs arrive and the ice gets tighter, they’ve often lacked that extra bit of bite in the offensive zone. Even after adding Nikolaj Ehlers this offseason, the Canes are still looking for a player who can deliver under pressure - someone who thrives in the chaos.
Enter Kadri.
He’s not a 40-goal scorer, but he doesn’t need to be. He’s a reliable, two-way center who plays with edge, competes in all three zones, and doesn’t shy away from the big moments. That kind of presence can be invaluable in the postseason, especially for a team like Carolina that’s been knocking on the door for years.
Kadri brings experience, grit, and a championship pedigree - all things that could help push the Hurricanes over the hump when it matters most.
Toronto Maple Leafs: A Storyline Waiting to Happen
Now this one would turn heads.
A potential Kadri return to Toronto would instantly become one of the biggest narratives in the league. Despite being traded years ago, he’s remained a fan favorite - the kind of player whose name still gets cheers when mentioned in Leafs circles. And with Craig Berube now behind the bench, Kadri’s hard-nosed, in-your-face style fits right into the identity the Leafs are trying to build.
From a hockey standpoint, the fit is intriguing. Kadri could slot into the second line alongside John Tavares, giving the Leafs a more balanced top six. He’d bring a playoff-tested edge that Toronto has often lacked in recent years - someone who can stir the pot and still bury a clutch goal when needed.
Is it the most likely destination? Maybe not. But if the Leafs are serious about making a deep playoff run, adding a player like Kadri - who knows the market, knows the pressure, and doesn’t back down from either - could be exactly what they need.
Where Kadri ends up remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: he’s still got game, and he’s still got value. Whether it’s a reunion with Colorado, a fresh start in Carolina, or a headline-grabbing return to Toronto, Kadri’s next move could be one of the most impactful trades of the season.