Nazem Kadri’s Time With Flames Could Be Nearing The End

Nazem Kadri‘s time with the Calgary Flames could be nearing an end as the trade deadline approaches. Kadri’s contract doesn’t end until after the 2028-29 season, but there’s a chance that the Flames won’t contend over the duration of that deal. Calgary brought the center in to help bolster their veteran depth and make some playoff runs, but it has widely been a disaster for most of his tenure.

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The Flames haven’t been in the playoffs in either of Kadri’s first three seasons, and they are on their way to a fourth consecutive season of missing out. It’s no surprise that the veteran made it known to the front office that he had no interest in sticking around with a record like that since he joined the team.

David Pagnotta reported that Kadri expressed his desire to waive his no-trade clause, via The Fourth Period. The front-runners to acquire his services are the Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, and Dallas Stars.

It’s an interesting four teams that are in the running to acquire Kadri. Montreal has been searching for more depth at the center position, but the trio of the Central Division teams battling for his services shows just how tight the margins are in that division. All three teams know that a player like Kadri can be the difference in one of those teams making it out of the gauntlet and advancing to the Western Conference Final.

Nazem Kadri’s Time With Flames Ending

The Avalanche would make for an interesting story for Kadri. He was a key member of the Avs’ 2022 Stanley Cup Championship team, recording 15 points in 16 games over the course of the run. However, with cap space coming into question in the offseason, Kadri would sign with the Flames in search of a fresh start and a more significant role.

Kadri has never been able to reach those heights with Calgary. He had a career year in his final season in Colorado, recording 87 points in 71 games. His season-high with the Flames is 72, but what is impressive is that he missed just one game in four seasons with the team. It’s been a rough time with his new team, but Kadri has shown up and been a competitor every night.

With his immaturity from early in his career behind him, Kadri is ready to make another run toward a Stanley Cup. If either of the four teams kicking the tires end up acquiring his services, he’ll have a chance to make that dream become a reality.

Next: Predicting Landing Spots For NHL’s Top Stars at the 2026 Trade Deadline Pt. 3