The Toronto Maple Leafs are on the hunt for a Mitch Marner replacement. One of the top names on their list is former top-line center Nazem Kadri. Unfortunately, it looks like the Leafs will have to search somewhere else. Sportsnet analyst Nick Kypreos mentioned that general manager Brad Treliving has had quite a bit of trouble making a trade with his old team, the Calgary Flames.
“Brad Treliving has tried numerous times to trade with his old club [Calgary] in the past only to be shut down…on Tanev, Zadorov and Andersson; “it may be a stretch for the Leafs to land Kadri.”
Last season, Kadri scored 35 goals and 32 assists for 67 points in 82 games. Kadri turns 35 before the start of the 2025-26 NHL season. He has four years left on his deal making $7M per season. In order to facilitate a trade, the Leafs would need to move substantial assets to become salary cap compliant.
Additionally, Kadri comes with a no-movement clause. This means he cannot be moved or waived by the Flames without permission. After the 2025-26 season, however, it becomes a modified no-trade clause, meaning Kadri can choose up to 13 teams on his no-trade list.
Kadri Didn’t Ask for Trade
Kypreos doubled down on Kadri’s desire to stay on Sporstnet 590. “Kadri has not asked to be traded,” Kypreos said. “Calgary has not approached him. You can’t tell me that Calgary’s not contemplating it or at least understanding the marketplace; if the price is right Kadri could be had.”
A lot of things need to go correctly if the Maple Leafs hope to nab Kadri. First, as mentioned earlier, Kadri would need to waive his no-movement clause. Second, the Maple Leafs have to pay a price that Calgary is willing to accept. To top it all off, Toronto has to move salary around to ensure there’s enough cap space for Kadri.
As of right now, the Maple Leafs have just $2.93M in salary cap space. They would need to free up an additional $4.07M. A player – or several players – would have to find new homes. On top of all this, the Flames would still need to agree on a trade with the Maple Leafs. As Kypreos mentioned earlier, they’ve shown no indication they’re willing to do so.
Maple Leafs May Not Have Assets for Kadri
The Flames are in the midst of a rebuild. They’re looking for younger, fresher talent. The closest thing to what they’d need in Toronto’s prospect pool is Easton Cowan. Additionally, the Leafs don’t have a first round pick until 2028. The cards, as of right now, are all in Calgary’s hands. They’ll only make a deal if the Maple Leafs are willing to bargain on their terms.
If last season was any indication, Kadri still has his goal scoring touch. Should the Leafs truly seek an all-in approach, they’ll need to pay heavily for Kadri’s services. Whether Treliving is able to successfully bargain with his former club is another story. For now, a Flames-Leafs trade for Kadri doesn’t seem likely.
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