As the NHL offseason winds down and training camps loom, the New Jersey Devils are reportedly looking to make a splash. Trade rumors are swirling, linking the Devils to a potential blockbuster deal for Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri.
The Devils, coming off a disappointing season where they finished 7th in the Metropolitan Division, are clearly aiming to take the next step. They possess a talented young core led by Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, but adding a veteran presence with championship pedigree like Kadri could be the missing piece.
Kadri’s Fit in New Jersey
Kadri, who played a pivotal role in the Colorado Avalanche’s Stanley Cup victory in 2022, brings a unique blend of skill and grit. He’s a proven scorer, consistently posting 20+ goal seasons, and is not afraid to get his hands dirty in the corners or in front of the net.
The Devils envision Kadri slotting into their second line alongside Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer, creating a formidable scoring threat. This move would not only bolster their offensive firepower but also take some pressure off their top line, allowing Hughes to thrive even more.
The Proposed Trade
The rumored trade involves Kadri and a 2026 third-round pick (originally belonging to the Vancouver Canucks) heading to New Jersey. In return, the Flames would receive winger Ondrej Palat, young forward Lenni Hameenaho, and a 2026 first-round pick.
From the Devils’ perspective, this trade makes a lot of sense. They acquire a proven scorer in Kadri who fits their needs perfectly, while sacrificing a veteran on an expiring contract and a promising prospect. The first-round pick is a steep price, but if it translates to a Stanley Cup, it’s a price worth paying.
The Flames’ Perspective
For the Flames, this trade represents a bit of a retooling. They move on from Kadri, who has five years left on his contract, and acquire a young player with potential in Hameenaho. The first-round pick also gives them flexibility in the upcoming draft.
With the trade of Kadri, the Flames have signaled a full rebuild. Moving out aging veterans for draft picks and prospects will continue to be a priority as they focus on building a future around their existing core of young talent
Final Thoughts
Only time will tell if this rumored trade comes to fruition. However, it’s clear that the Devils are serious about contending for the Stanley Cup. Acquiring Kadri would send a message to the rest of the league that they are all in.
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No deal. Other than the 1st there isn’t much in this proposal to interest. Just a completely superflous expensive left shot LW cap dump with a 3 years of term and a mediocre RW prospect.
If Calgary trades Kadri they’ll want a good young center / center prospect as part of the return or a significantly better return than this.