The Vancouver Canucks have been one of the most-talked-about teams this season as they seek to upgrade down the middle. The club has suffered an unusual dose of injuries, leaving its center depth severely depleted.
That situation has prompted speculation about trade targets the Canucks could pursue this season. One of the most discussed targets is Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri.
The biggest issue surrounding Kadri is his 13-team no-trade clause. Per NHL rules, teams listed on no-trade lists are not publicly available. That situation has made the teams on Kadri’s no-trade list one of the biggest mysteries in the league.
However, insider Nick Kypreos has shed some light on the matter. In his November 5 column published on Sportsnet, the Vancouver Canucks are not on Kadri’s no-trade list. The Canucks and Canadiens are not on Kadri’s no-go list, making a potential trade to another Canadian team an easier move.
Kypreos wrote:
“Vancouver and Montreal are also interested in landing a top-two centre, and a potential trade to either of those destinations appears easier than a move to Carolina, since the two Canadian teams are not on Kadri’s no-trade list.”
If that’s the case, the Flames could target the Canucks and Canadiens in a potential trade. Nevertheless, the Canadiens might make more sense as the Canucks are a division rival of the Flames.
The Canadiens, on the other hand, are in the Eastern Conference. Such a trade would send Nazem Kadri to a team not likely to harm the Flames moving forward.
Kadri Nixed Carolina Hurricanes
One of the interesting revelations Kypreos made is that the Carolina Hurricanes are on Kadri’s no-trade list. The Hurricanes have been desperately trying to lure a big-name forward to their club. Last season, the Hurricanes attempted to land Mitch Marner after being forced to trade away Mikko Rantanen.
This season, the Hurricanes continue looking for a major upgrade. However, Kadri, in particular, doesn’t seem motivated to join the Hurricanes. That situation could make dealing with the Canucks much easier for the Flames.
Canucks a Solid Fit for Kadri
Meanwhile, the Canucks would be a solid fit for Kadri. The Canucks have a natural opening at center. Top-line pivot Elias Pettersson hasn’t quite lived up to expectations this season. The club has also lost second-line center Filip Chytil to injury.
Under those circumstances, Kadri could slide into the Canucks’ top line. Such a move would give head coach Adam Foote some leeway to drop Pettersson to the second line, thus alleviating some of the pressure on the Swedish forward.
The other major question would be what the Flames want in exchange for Kadri. One would have to imagine the asking price has to be high. The Flames may bring their ask down, especially if other forwards like St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn hit the market.
A sudden influx of top-six forwards on the trade market could bring the price tag down on Kadri. So, Kadri landing with the Canucks may come down to a matter of time.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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