The Montreal Canadiens have been looking to add a top-six forward since the summer. That’s hardly been a secret around the league. As such, numerous players have been the subject of speculation as potential trade targets.
One such trade target is Calgary Flames’ veteran center Nazem Kadri. Insiders and analysts have linked Kadri to about a dozen teams, with the Canadiens being among the leading ones. But based on recent information, the Canadiens may have to exercise patience in this matter.
According to an October 30 piece by RG Media, the Canadiens may need to wait until the Flames make up their minds regarding Kadri’s future with the team. The piece quoted an anonymous NHL source, stating:
“I haven’t heard anything is imminent on Kadri. Calgary hasn’t indicated that he’s available yet; they still think they could turn this thing around.”
The Flames are last overall in the NHL with eight points in 14 games. They have a 3-9-2 record to go with an abysmal -17 goal differential.
Given the circumstances, how much longer would the Canadiens have to wait before the Flames are serious about talking about a trade involving Kadri?
One of the major talking points has been a potential rebuild for the Flames. If that’s the case, would Calgary be ready to move on from the 35-year-old?
These questions could find an answer in the next three to four weeks.
Flames Not Only Potential Trade Partner for Canadiens
The Canadiens have reportedly done their due diligence around the league. In addition to checking in on Kadri, the Habs have also scouted around the league, looking for other potential top-six forward options.
Ideally, the Habs would like to target a center. One that could become available soon enough might be Alexander Wennberg of the San Jose Sharks. As the anonymous source noted in the RG Media piece, Wennberg could be a fallback option for several teams.
The Sharks have been looking to move rookie Michael Misa up the depth chart. If the club feels Misa can handle the 2C role, Wennberg may become available.
Like Kadri, the Canadiens may have to wait for Wennberg. It’s still too soon for the Sharks to know if Misa can handle an expanded role. Still, the consensus is that Wennberg will be available at one point or another this season.
Habs in no Urgent Need to Make Trades
The good news is that the Habs are in no urgent need to make trades happen. The club has been relatively healthy this season. The biggest question mark, Kirby Dach, has stayed in the lineup. If his injury concerns remain at bay, the Canadiens may not need to scramble to make a trade happen.
Nevertheless, the Canadiens will likely be active right up until the trade deadline, given the need for depth in the postseason. The Habs look poised to make a strong run. So, depth will be a major priority moving forward this season.
The trade market is at a standstill for now. But that could change as more separation emerges among playoff and non-playoff teams this season.
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