The Calgary Flames have had a season full of ups and downs, but they managed to stay out of the Pacific Division’s basement and remained in the hunt for a Western Conference wild-card spot until the very end. As the team looks to build a Stanley Cup contender, general manager Craig Conroy has consistently stated he doesn’t want a full rebuild. However, with the moves he’s made, particularly acquiring younger players like Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost, it’s clear the Flames are taking a patient approach. Still, it’s evident that they’re not yet guaranteed a playoff spot for the 2025-26 season.
Nazem Kadri: The Trade Candidate
One of the key players in Calgary’s lineup right now is 34-year-old Nazem Kadri, a veteran center and Stanley Cup champion. He had a solid 2024-25 season, posting a career-high 35 goals and 67 points in 82 games. Kadri’s contract runs for four more seasons at $7 million per year, which makes him a valuable asset for any team looking for an experienced second-line center.
While the Flames weren’t looking to move Kadri at the trade deadline – as they were still in playoff contention – the situation could be different now. With Kadri coming off a strong season, the team might want to explore his trade value this offseason. Since Kadri has a full no-movement clause that will turn into a partial no-trade clause next summer, it would make sense for the Flames to check with him on which teams he’d be open to joining, creating a robust market for his services. Trading Kadri while his value is high could help Conroy add important pieces for the Flames’ future.
The Limited Market for Centers Like Kadri
While the demand for a player like Kadri is high, the market could be somewhat limited this summer. One of the top centers available is Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers, but there’s only one team that can land him. Another center option was just removed from the market when the Colorado Avalanche extended Brock Nelson on a three-year contract. This leaves several teams looking for a second-line center, and Kadri could be a highly sought-after option.
Among the teams that might pursue Kadri is his former team, the Toronto Maple Leafs. Kadri was traded from Toronto to the Avalanche in 2019, and he’s expressed in the past that he never wanted to leave the Leafs. The chance to reunite with the team would give Toronto GM Brad Treliving a player who adds the toughness and physical edge the team needs. But Toronto isn’t the only team that should be considering Kadri. The Buffalo Sabres, New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and New York Islanders all could use a player of his caliber to help with both their playoff push and the need for a tougher, more competitive roster.
How Trading Kadri Could Help the Flames’ Future
Trading Kadri could give the Flames an opportunity to restock their future. While losing Kadri would be a blow to their lineup, as there isn’t a clear-cut replacement for him at the moment, Calgary can afford to be patient. The Flames are in the midst of building a new arena, which won’t be ready until 2027, so they have time to focus on building their roster for the future.
By trading Kadri, Calgary could acquire draft picks, prospects, or even a younger center who can develop into a future leader. As the NHL’s salary cap rises in the coming years, Kadri’s $7 million cap hit will look more attractive to teams in need of a solid second-line center. This cap flexibility could be key for Calgary to make further moves in the future.
Other Potential Moves for the Flames
The Flames could take the cap space they free up by trading Kadri and target younger players like Anaheim Ducks’ Trevor Zegras. Alternatively, Calgary could wait until next summer when the UFA market is expected to be much stronger. However, with the current demand for hard-nosed players like Kadri, it’s clear that the Flames have an opportunity to sell high and make moves that improve their long-term prospects.
Even though Kadri helped the Flames this year, Calgary was still not a playoff team. Despite trades and veteran leadership from players like Jonathan Huberdeau, Mikael Backlund, and Blake Coleman, the Flames fell short of a postseason berth. If they wait another year to move Kadri, his trade value may not be as high. The Flames may want to seize the opportunity to move him now, acquire valuable assets, and continue building a youthful, competitive team for the future.
The Calgary Flames are at a crossroads. While they have key veteran players and have made moves to acquire younger talent, the road to playoff contention is still not guaranteed. Trading Nazem Kadri could help the team restock their assets and focus on building a stronger future. With his high trade value after a solid season, now could be the right time for GM Craig Conroy to pull the trigger. The Flames’ long-term success may depend on their ability to make bold moves, and trading Kadri could be one of the first steps in that process.
