Is a Nazem Kadri Trade Close? Are the Canadiens Sending a Big Name Back to Flames?

As the action continues on an active trade deadline day, one name to keep an eye on is Nazem Kadri. The forward out of Calgary could be on the move and for months now, the Montreal Canadiens have been linked as a possible landing spot. The connection is being made again on Friday, with Patrik Laine of the Canadiens potentially involved as a key piece to make the salaries work.

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The chatter has heated up significantly in the hours leading up to the 3 p.m. ET deadline. Whether a deal will happen in the final two hours remains unclear.

NHL insider David Pagnotta (The Fourth Period) reported that the Canadiens and Flames have “circled back” on discussions for Kadri after talks appeared to stall earlier. He specifically mentioned that “some chatter” suggests Patrik Laine could be in play if a deal reaches the finish line.

Multiple sources note that Flames’ ownership has been reluctant to retain salary on Kadri’s $7M AAV contract (he has three years left after this season). Drew Livingstone of the SDPN podcast wrote, “Sounds like Calgary and Colorado had a deal in place for the Avs to reunite with Kadri with the Flames retaining some of the contract. Flames ownership stepped in and kiboshed it, so the Avs pivoted to landing Nicolas Roy from the Maple Leafs, which has limited his market and even killed a near-deal with the Colorado Avalanche earlier today.”

However, if ownership can wrap their heads around a deal, and they’re open to retention talks, that could reopen the door for Montreal.

Why Is Laine Involved in the Trade Rumors?

Patrik Laine has also been mentioned in trade talks over the past month, and he carries an $8.7M cap hit (final year of his deal). Including him in a package to Calgary could offset Kadri’s contract without heavy retention from the Flames. And, if Laine comes in and is productive, he could be a player the Flames explore a value extension on.

Montreal granted Laine permission to seek a trade, and at one point, it was reported there might be interest from the Kings. However, LA became sellers this week, and Laine may no longer be on their radar.

Talks involving a Kadri trade are ongoing and described as “continuing”, but no deal has been confirmed yet. This would be a big move for Montreal—adding grit, experience, and faceoff prowess in Kadri while shedding Laine’s cap hit and injury concerns.

Next: Heart and Soul Gone: Conor Garland Traded to Columbus