Nazem Kadri, a vital component of the Calgary Flames with more than half of his current contract remaining, continues to attract trade interest during the offseason. While initial rumors linked him primarily to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens, recent developments have broadened the list of potential suitors significantly.
New Teams Join the Hunt for the Veteran Center
Sportsnet’s Ryan Dixon recently highlighted three additional teams—New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes, and Colorado Avalanche—joining Toronto and Montreal as likely contenders to acquire Kadri if he becomes available. This expands the list of potential trade destinations to five organizations showing serious interest in the 34-year-old forward.
Nazem Kadri’s name has remained a stubborn fixture on trade boards across the internet for the past six months. @Dixononsports looks at some logical landing spots. https://t.co/hTrC9NwJvr— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 25, 2025
Although earlier speculation centered around the Maple Leafs and Canadiens, Dixon believes the market is widening for Kadri, who recorded a personal best of 35 goals last season and is a Stanley Cup champion.
Contract Details Influence Trade Possibilities
Kadri is under contract for four more years on a seven-year deal worth $49 million, with an annual cap hit of $7 million. However, his agreement includes a no-movement clause valid through the upcoming season, followed by a modified no-trade clause for three subsequent years. This structure grants Kadri significant control over any trade negotiations.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli recently remarked on the difficulty of moving Kadri, stating,
It would take a heck of an offer to get Nazem Kadri out of Calgary.
Cap Space and Team Fit Affect Potential Trades
The Colorado Avalanche, Kadri’s former team and the franchise with which he won the 2022 Stanley Cup, remain a possible destination, though their limited salary cap flexibility could present obstacles. To accommodate Kadri, they would need to trade a high-salary player to free up space.
Conversely, the New Jersey Devils have over $6 million in cap room and could absorb Kadri’s salary if Calgary receives a strong return involving roster players and future assets. The Carolina Hurricanes, in a “win-now” phase with more than $10.6 million available in cap space, are also well-positioned to pursue a deal for Kadri.
Implications for the Flames and Next Steps
The widening list of Nazem Kadri trade destinations suggests that if the veteran center opts for a move, the Flames will have multiple suitors to consider. Given Kadri’s no-movement clause and his strong recent performance, any trade would require significant compensation, complicating potential deals. Teams like the Devils and Hurricanes appear ready to capitalize on this opportunity, while the Avalanche may face structural challenges despite their interest.
As the offseason progresses, the Flames and Kadri will navigate these complex factors, determining whether a trade will materialize and, if so, where the seasoned center will continue his NHL career.