Calgary Flames Nazem Kadri could be trade this week?
Recognized for his energy, forward Nazem Kadri might be on the trading block according to the latest rumors circulating within the Calgary Flames' circle.
A new trade could be announced soon, and things are heating up.
Since the trade involving Jonathan Huberdeau and Mathew Tkachuk, the Calgary Flames have been in a constant state of decline. The situation in Alberta is critical, as direct rivals, the Edmonton Oilers, reached Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. While Calgary missed the playoffs with Huberdeau, the Flames won the Stanley Cup with Matthew Tkachuk.
We must not forget Johnny Gaudreau's departure for Columbus in the summer of 2022, where he signed a lucrative new contract as a free agent. The relationship with the Flames was acrimonious, with many blaming Gaudreau when it came to the playoffs.
As a result, the rebuilding process is indeed underway in Calgary.
The team has a new management team for the past year, and a new arena will be opened in 2027. With quality prospects expected in the 2025 and 2026 drafts, the Calgary Flames might be tempted to drop in the standings to better rebuild, even though nothing is guaranteed with the NHL lottery.
The team's top scorer in 2023-2024, Nazem Kadri, is reportedly looking to leave Calgary, according to information disclosed by none other than David Pagnotta.
A trade involving Nazem Kadri and Jonathan Huberdeau?
As reported by the site Danslescoulisses, Nazem Kadri would be willing to waive his no-movement clause to be traded. There will surely be exceptions, but the player who scored 75 points with the Flames last year wants to return to Colorado, as he mentioned several weeks ago.
Moreover, the journalist wouldn't be surprised if the 33-year-old veteran returned to the Colorado Avalanche, the team with which he won the Stanley Cup in 2022. At the same time, the uncertainty surrounding Russian Valeri Nichushkin creates a significant gap in the team's second offensive line.
Like Jonathan Huberdeau, he could therefore be traded.
The Flames' general manager, Craig Conroy, could very well use Kadri to acquire young prospects and draft picks on the trade market. The Colorado Avalanche doesn't have a large draft bank.
Nazem Kadri will turn 34 at the start of the next season. However, his contract might be intimidating. He has five years left on his contract with an annual salary of $7 million. For the next two or three seasons, it will be possible to trade him at full value, but beyond those two or three years, it could be very difficult to trade Kadri with his entire salary. This would be a golden opportunity for the Flames to offload him and obtain valuable assets for rebuilding.
Unlike Jonathan Huberdeau, who according to many experts is the "worst" in the entire NHL, Nazem Kadri has proven he is worth $7 million per season, as evidenced by his 75 points in 2023-2024. However, the longevity of his contract could give other teams pause. This contract could age poorly!
At the same time, several teams with a two or three-year window to win the Stanley Cup will be interested in adding a guy like Nazem Kadri. His energy, resilience, physical presence, and intensity on the ice could be invaluable in the playoffs.
This is a story to follow.
Credit: DansLesCoulisses
Nazim Kadri serait prêt à lever sa clause de non-mouvement pour quitter Calgary
| POLL | ||
How many points will Nazem Kadri make this season? | ||
| Less than 55 points | 76 | 27.9 % |
| 55 to 64 points | 137 | 50.4 % |
| 65 to 74 points | 45 | 16.5 % |
| 75 points or more | 14 | 5.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
