Two Quality Centers May Hurt Return for Flames in Kadri Trade

Over the past few seasons, the Calgary Flames have made several difficult decisions as their retooling/rebuilding continues. They’ve moved out veterans like Noah Hanifin, Elias Lindholm, Jacob Markstrom, Tyler Toffoli, Chris Tanev, and, most recently, Rasmus Andersson. Those moves have stocked the organization with some useful NHLers, draft capital, and young talent. That said, the rebuild remains a work in progress—and at least one major decision still looms.

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Nazem Kadri increasingly stands out as the most logical next piece to move.

At 35, Kadri no longer fits the realistic timeline of a Flames turnaround. While he remains a capable top-six center, a player who was once publicly committed to the organization seems open to change. The Flames seem to understand that moving him is also the right thing to do. The problem is that, as Elliotte Friedman recently reported, the market for his services has slightly slowed. Given that a couple of higher-quality centres (Vincent Trocheck and Robert Thomas) are available ahead of him, a Kadri deal remains likely, but the price may have changed.

The Kadri Trade Market Has Changed On the Flames

There is still a belief that a trade is best for the player and the team, with the hope that a changing market will benefit Calgary sooner rather than later. However, the Flames may have to decide what they’re willing to accept in return, given that the value of the offers is likely to decline.

And, if Kadri struggles at all coming out of the Olympic break, things get even more challenging for the Flames. Kadri is currently pacing for roughly 15 goals and 57 points, a noticeable drop from the 35-goal, 67-point season he posted in 2024–25. That’s not exactly the type of production that will see teams line up to pay a high price, especially considering he’s locked into a long-term deal until the end of the 2028-29 season. His cap hit is not atrocious, but it’s an investment, one that not all teams will be willing to make.

How much salary Calgary is willing to retain could ultimately determine the strength of the return.

While Kadri is the headline name, veterans Blake Coleman and Zach Whitecloud could also draw interest. But if the Flames are serious about accelerating their rebuild, Kadri remains the chip that could reshape their future.

Next: NHL Trade Watch: Trocheck Rumours, Oilers & Maple Leafs Trade Talk