The NHL rumor mill is a churning beast, constantly spitting out speculation and conjecture. One name that keeps surfacing is Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri.
Adam Herman of The Bleacher Report recently pegged Kadri as his top candidate to be traded at the 2025 NHL trade deadline, and it’s not hard to see why.
Could Nazem Kadri be on the Move? Analyzing the Likelihood of a Trade
The Flames are in a clear transition phase, seemingly focused on building around younger players. Kadri, at 34 years old with a hefty $7 million cap hit through 2029, doesn’t exactly fit that timeline. While he’s still a productive player, his age and contract make him a prime candidate to be moved if the Flames decide to fully embrace a rebuild.
However, there are some significant roadblocks to any potential deal. Firstly, Kadri has a full no-movement clause, giving him complete control over his destination. He’s stated his desire to stay in Calgary, and unless he has a change of heart, the Flames’ hands are tied.
Secondly, that $7 million cap hit is a major obstacle. Even if Kadri were willing to waive his no-movement clause, finding a team with the cap space and the willingness to take on that contract will be challenging. It would likely require the Flames to retain some salary, which may not be palatable for a team looking to shed payroll.
From my perspective, having covered the NHL for years, I believe a Kadri trade is unlikely at the deadline. While the Flames might be tempted to explore their options, the combination of Kadri’s no-movement clause, his expensive contract, and his stated desire to remain in Calgary creates a difficult path to a trade.
Of course, things can change quickly in the NHL. If the Flames struggle mightily and Kadri decides he wants a chance to win another Stanley Cup, perhaps he’d be more open to a move. But as things stand now, I expect Kadri to be wearing a Flames jersey come the trade deadline.
Stay Up-to-Date with the Latest Calgary Flames News
Want to stay informed on the Nazem Kadri situation and all things Calgary Flames? Check out our website for the latest news and analysis. Plus, find out what happened this day in NHL history (October 10th) and see what channel the Flames game is on TV today. Don’t forget to add nhltraderumor.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletter below!
Sign up for our weekly NHL trade rumors newsletter
