The Montreal Canadiens made the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2025, losing to the Washington Capitals in the first round. Montreal surprised many around the NHL when they made the postseason. But they are hoping to cement their status as a playoff contender. The Canadiens traded for Noah Dobson, and are looking to make more moves.
The Canadiens have improved their roster, but one area of need remains. Like many teams in the NHL, the Habs are looking for a second-line center. Nick Suzuki has established himself as a first-line pivot in this league. However, they need someone behind Suzuki who can play second-line minutes and bring top-six production.
At this time, it appears as if Montreal has two choices. They could place their faith in former third-round pick Kirby Dach, who has struggled mightily with injuries over the years. On the other hand, they could give the job to Alex Newhook, who they acquired prior to the 2024 NHL Draft.
Both players may be able to do a servicable job on the second line. However, they are less-than-ideal options for the Canadiens. Sportsnet writer Ryan Dixon believes the team can do more. And he believes Calgary Flames star Nazem Kadri is a trade fit for the Canadiens.
“Even after acquiring Noah Dobson at the draft, Montreal’s cache of picks and prospects is such that it would have more than enough powder to get a deal for Kadri done. The Canadiens have a number of youngsters who have spent a year or two in the AHL and appear ready — or almost ready — for NHL duty. That might be just the demo that piques Calgary’s interest,” Dixon wrote.
Nazem Kadri Has Connection With Canadiens
Elsa/Getty ImagesNazem Kadri could provide a massive top-six boost to the Montreal Canadiens.
Kadri has not played for Montreal in his career. He began his time in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was then traded to the Colorado Avalanche, where he won a Stanley Cup in 2022. Following that championship win, he signed with the Flames.
Still, Kadri has a connection with the Canadiens organization. Dixon mentioned that the veteran pivot grew up a Habs fan. Moreover, while he was drafted by Toronto, his career technically began at the Bell Centre in Montreal.
“Of course, Kadri grew up a Habs fan in Southern Ontario and got booed in the Bell Centre when the hated Toronto Maple Leafs drafted him seventh overall in 2009. Maybe Canadiens fans are ready to make amends,” Dixon wrote.
Kadri Trade Complicated For Montreal
The fit certainly makes sense. He is a three-time 30+ goal scorer, including a career-high 35 goal season in 2024-25. Moreover, he has scored 60+ points in three of the last four seasons. Kadri brings the sort of production the Canadiens need from their second-line center.
However, his $7 million cap hit could be a bit difficult to absorb. Even with Carey Price’s cap hit going on LTIR. Another obstacle is his no-movement clause. Kadri certainly may be willing to join the Canadiens, but he may want to see things through with the Flames. Calgary did only miss the playoffs by virtue of a tiebreaker in 2025.
The Canadiens have the picks and prospects to make this sort of trade, though. If Calgary is out of the postseason running by the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, it’s a possibility the Flames and Kadri are more receptive to a trade with Montreal.
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