The NHL off-season always brings its fair share of rumours — and this summer, Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri is the latest name being tossed around in the rumour mill.
Recently, Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos speculated that Kadri may be open to waiving his no-move clause for a potential trade. The two destinations floated? The Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens.
Naturally, that raised a few eyebrows.
Let’s be honest — who wouldn’t want to add a proven, top-six centre with scoring touch, edge, leadership and Stanley Cup experience? Kadri checks all those boxes.
The Leafs, still adjusting to life without Mitch Marner after his move to Vegas, could use a spark up front. Kadri knows Toronto well — after all, that’s where his NHL journey began. But let’s not forget — Kadri’s time in Toronto didn’t end exactly on a high note. After multiple playoff suspensions and questions about discipline, he was traded to Colorado in 2019. So while it makes for good speculation, a reunion feels more nostalgic than necessary.
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Then there’s Montreal — a team still building toward the future, with promising centrepieces in Nick Suzuki and Kirby Dach. Kadri could bring a veteran presence to complement that young core, not to mention add some grit and compete level down the middle. On paper, there’s an argument to be made. But again — is it more fantasy than feasible?
Here’s where things get murky.
Kadri isn’t just some aging role player on an expiring deal. He’s a cornerstone in Calgary, entering year four of a seven-year, $49 million contract. More importantly, he’s coming off a standout season — leading the Flames in scoring with 67 points (35 goals, 32 assists) while playing in all 82 games. His value wasn’t just in the numbers, though. He was the pulse of the locker room — the guy dragging the team into battle night after night.
Need an example? Look no further than rookies (at the time) Connor Zary and Martin Pospisil. When they made the jump from the AHL Wranglers in 2023-24, it was Kadri who helped anchor their transition. He didn’t just centre their line — he set the tone, offered guidance, and helped them thrive in real-time. That trio became one of Calgary’s most consistent lines during a turbulent season.
Take Kadri out of the mix, and the Flames lose more than just their leading scorer. They lose leadership. Identity. Intensity.
It’s also worth asking — does he actually want to leave?
Kadri is a competitor. A guy who wants to win — but also someone who takes pride in building something. Calgary gave him a long-term home and a leadership role, and so far, he’s returned the favour by playing inspired, hard-nosed hockey.
Yes, a trade is always possible. That’s part of the business. One thing’s for sure — if the Flames are serious about staying competitive while their young core develops, moving Kadri would be a step in the wrong direction. He’s not just a name on the roster; he’s the identity of this team right now.
And unless something dramatic changes, it’s hard to see that changing any time soon.
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