Nazem Kadri’s strong and consistent performance with the Calgary Flames has drawn significant attention across the NHL. As the veteran centre approaches his 35th birthday, the ongoing discussion about his future trade possibilities intensifies, highlighting potential destinations amid Calgary’s rebuilding process and Kadri’s value as a reliable, high-impact player.

Kadri delivered his best offensive output recently with a career-high 35 goals last season and a previous campaign where he scored 75 points, marking the second-best total of his career. Notably, he has shown remarkable durability and commitment, playing every game in four of his last five seasons since joining Calgary in 2022. This dependability makes him an invaluable asset for Calgary’s young roster, especially as the franchise aims to blend experience with emerging talent around rising stars like goaltender Dustin Wolf.

Calgary’s Dilemma: Balancing Short-Term Competitiveness and Long-Term Growth

The Flames narrowly missed the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs and are eager to return to contention. Kadri’s veteran presence and proven scoring ability would undoubtedly boost their chances next season. However, the team is simultaneously focused on a retooling phase involving younger players, aiming to build a sustainable core for the next decade. Kadri holds a full no-move clause on his $7 million-per-year contract, limiting trade options without his consent. This has contributed to the persistent trade rumors over the past six months.

General Manager Craig Conroy faces a critical decision: retain Kadri for immediate impact or leverage his value to secure promising younger talent. Kadri’s experience, especially as a 2022 Stanley Cup winner with Colorado, adds weight to the discussions about his fit with Calgary’s future.

Montreal Canadiens: Filling a Central Hole with a Familiar Face

The Montreal Canadiens have had a glaring need for a strong second-line centre throughout the offseason. Their roster shows potential with several young prospects ready to transition from the AHL to the NHL, making them a logical trade partner. Adding Nazem Kadri would directly address their centre depth and bring playoff-proven grit to an evolving lineup. The Canadiens possess ample draft capital and prospect assets to offer a package that might appeal to the Flames in return.

Kadri’s personal connection to Montreal is notable; growing up a Canadiens fan in Southern Ontario, he has history in the market. Despite once being booed at the Bell Centre as a Toronto draft pick, there is a possibility Canadiens fans could welcome him warmly now. However, Montreal supporters understand that bringing Kadri in could signal the end of hopes for acquiring a franchise cornerstone like Sidney Crosby.

New Jersey Devils: Adding Toughness Behind Elite Centres

The New Jersey Devils have established youngsters Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier at their top two centre positions but could greatly benefit from Kadri’s aggressive style and experience as a third-line pivot. Kadri’s tenacity and scoring ability would complement the Devils’ skill set while adding much-needed physicality. This could also allow Hughes to occasionally shift to the wing, providing lineup flexibility.

Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe’s previous connection with Kadri during their time in Toronto might smooth the transition and role definition. New Jersey, though cautious, may include younger players, such as Dawson Mercer, in trade talks despite his recent contract extension, as Mercer fits Calgary’s interest in younger assets.

The Flames and Devils have history with impactful trades, including sending Jacob Markstrom and Tyler Toffoli in recent seasons, increasing the likelihood that these franchises could collaborate again in the Kadri negotiations.

Carolina Hurricanes: Strengthening Centre Depth Amid Ambitious Moves

The Carolina Hurricanes have recently invested heavily in their roster by signing winger Nikolaj Ehlers and acquiring defenceman K’Andre Miller. Despite this, the team still faces a need to deepen their centre position behind star Sebastian Aho and veteran Jordan Staal. Kadri would idealize filling that second-line centre role and inject veteran savvy and playoff experience.

With over $10 million in remaining salary cap space, Carolina can comfortably absorb Kadri’s contract while still holding valuable draft picks. The Hurricanes have demonstrated an aggressive approach in the trade market, notably acquiring Mikko Rantanen in January and pursuing Mitch Marner ahead of the trade deadline. Their proactive maneuvering indicates a team willing to make bold moves to advance their Stanley Cup aspirations.

Kadri’s presence could be especially valuable in playoff matchups against gritty opponents, such as the Florida Panthers, enhancing Carolina’s ability to compete against physical styles and momentum-changers.

Colorado Avalanche: Revisiting the Championship Core

Colorado faces a bittersweet reality since their 2022 Stanley Cup victory, having lost captain Gabriel Landeskog to a long-term knee injury and seeing Kadri depart as a free agent the same summer. The Avs have managed just one playoff series win in that period, underscoring the void left by these players.

Landeskog’s recent return to play brought optimism, and re-signing Kadri could similarly strengthen Colorado’s lineup with a familiar and effective playoff performer. While the team added Brock Nelson on a three-year deal, shifting Nelson to wing could create space for Kadri to slot in down the middle.

Cap constraints and roster considerations make this scenario challenging. One hypothetical move could involve sending young forward Martin Necas to Calgary, freeing up salary space. However, Necas’s desire for unrestricted free agency after his current contract complicates any long-term agreement, potentially deterring Calgary from such a swap without assurances.

Toronto Maple Leafs: A Return That Carries Mixed Memories

Given Kadri’s history with the Toronto Maple Leafs, speculation about a possible reunion is inevitable. Kadri was traded to Colorado by former Leafs GM Kyle Dubas six years ago and had two playoff suspensions during his tenure in Toronto, which somewhat overshadowed his time with the team.

Despite these challenges, the Leafs currently lack the physical grit that Kadri could provide as they strive to overcome postseason hurdles. His return might offer veteran toughness and skill, but practical obstacles exist. Toronto does not possess first-round draft picks in 2026 or 2027, which is significant given Calgary’s high valuation of Kadri.

Brad Treliving, Toronto’s general manager, has attempted trades with Calgary in the past for players like Chris Tanev, Nikita Zadorov, and Rasmus Andersson but was consistently rebuffed. This history suggests that negotiations for Kadri would require exceptional offers, and a reunion remains unlikely according to analyst Nick Kypreos’s latest trade board.

“Toronto [general manager] Brad Treliving has tried numerous times to trade with his old club in the past only to be shut down by the Flames on [Chris] Tanev, [Nikita] Zadorov and [Rasmus] Andersson, so it may be a stretch for the Leafs to land Kadri.”

—Nick Kypreos, Hockey Analyst

Trade Value and Strategic Implications for Calgary

Nazem Kadri’s trade value remains high due to his scoring acumen, durability, and leadership abilities, making him attractive to teams seeking to boost their competitive edge immediately. Calgary’s choice will reflect their balancing act between remaining competitive and committing to long-term rebuilding.

Should the Flames decide to trade Kadri, they could receive prospects, draft picks, and players ready to contribute over several seasons. This strategic decision will shape Calgary’s trajectory and influence the league-wide landscape in the upcoming seasons.

The possibility of Kadri’s trade to any of these teams shows the dynamic nature of NHL roster construction and the complexities of managing veteran players amid evolving team objectives.