Canadiens Linked to Trade for $7M AAV Second-Line Center

The Montreal Canadiens are looking to add a significant piece to their roster, eyeing a second-line center in a trade. One target they might be keeping close tabs on is veteran forward Nazem Kadri, currently under a $49 million contract, and playing for a quickly sinking Calgary Flames team. Kadri has been linked to Montreal in trade discussions before, but a move feels more likely these days, as the Flames can’t seem to find an identity or rhythm and could start selling off pieces to land the best possible draft odds in 2026.

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Kadri could immediately fill the team’s second-line center role and he’s been open to the idea of Montreal in the past.

During a spot on a recent episode of The Sick Podcast, former Canadiens center Maxim Lapierre called Kadri “the perfect fit” for Montreal, praising the 35-year-old’s two-way game, physicality, and experience. Co-host Pierre McGuire agreed and said they’ve spoken about Kadri in the past as a fit, noting the center’s Stanley Cup experience and credibility in the locker room. The Canadiens are building a culture in Montreal, and Kadri would be a nice addition as a hard-working, character guy.

Kadri has maintained strong production despite his age, posting 67 points last season (35 goals, 32 assists) following a 75-point campaign in 2023-24. His style — heavy, skilled, and responsible defensively — could make him the ideal partner for Alex Newhook while helping integrate younger players like Ivan Demidov into Montreal’s lineup.

Salary-cap considerations will play a role, as Kadri carries a $7 million cap hit while Montreal currently has roughly $5.1 million in space. The Flames would be looking for younger pieces or draft picks in return, assuming they embrace a complete rebuild.

For Montreal, Kadri represents the potential piece that most insiders and analysts feel the team is missing. With one of the better, younger, cost-controlled rosters in the NHL, they’ve been looking to upgrade at the second-line center position for some time. The Canadiens have been linked to Sidney Crosby and others, but Kadri seems like a realistic get.

Acquiring Kadri could be a calculated gamble, but a formidable second-line center capable of elevating Montreal’s middle-six.

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