The Montreal Canadiens have been linked to Nazem Kadri, and it appears he would be willing to accept a trade to Montreal.
Kadri’s name has come up in trade rumors as the Calgary Flames could look to move him. He’s been heavily linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs. But, NHL insider Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet links him to the Canadiens and claims Kadri would waive his no-trade clause to go to Montreal.
“The Flames are building up their young team and while Kadri could still possibly be a contributing piece when some of the youth blossoms,” Kypreos wrote. “A trade now could also bring Calgary a package that would help them more in the long-term. And that return would improve if the Flames also retain salary. Currently, they are only retaining salary on Jacob Markstrom for one more season.
“Two teams that Kadri continues to be linked to and appear to be willing to lift his no-move clause for are the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs,” Kypreos added. “Toronto’s Brad Treliving has tried numerous times to trade with his old club in the past only to be shut down by the Flames on Tanev, Zadorov and Andersson, so it may be a stretch for the Leafs to land Kadri.”
Kadri has four years left on his seven-year, $49 million deal. Kadri would be a perfect second-line center for the Canadiens, which is an area of need. He would also add some veteran leadership to the roster, given that he has won the Stanley Cup.
The 34-year-old recorded 35 goals and 32 assists for 67 points in 82 games last season.
Canadiens GM Not Ruling Out Making Another Move
Montreal made the playoffs last season, and the Canadiens have been active this season.
The Canadiens landed Noah Dobson and Zachary Bolduc in trades. However, Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes says the team isn’t ruling out making more moves.
“My focus is more so on what we can do to build a team that’s capable of competing for the Stanley Cup,” Hughes said… “The reality is, we’re not going to put the perfect team together over the course of one summer. We recognize we have other things we’d like to accomplish.”
The Canadiens are currently over the cap, but once they put Carey Price on LTIR, Montreal will have space to make another move.
Insider Explains Why Flames May Move Kadri
Despite having multiple years left on his deal, Kadri’s name has come up in trade rumors.
Kypreos believes Calgary could look to deal Kadri, as they could get a big return for him. They would also be able to get out of his contract.
“Another Flames trade candidate, Nazem Kadri’s situation is far less pressing than Andersson’s. He has four years remaining on his contract, makes $7 million against the salary cap, and has a full no-movement clause through 2025-26. After next season, Kadri will have a modified no-trade clause for the final three years of his deal,” Kypreos wrote.
“So why is he on this list? First, there are a lot of teams in need of a top-six center around the NHL, so it should be a seller’s market for anyone willing to give one up,” Kypreos added. “He’ll turn 35 in October, has won a Stanley Cup, and is still playing at a high level. Kadri scored 67 points this past season and a career-high 35 goals.”
Kadri won a Stanley Cup in 2022 with the Colorado Avalanche.
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