Calgary Flames’ Nazem Kadri in Talks with Multiple Teams Ahead of Possible Trade

Following Sunday’s trade of Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights, the NHL trade rumor mill has shifted gears to veteran forwards Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman, with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche, Los Angeles Kings, and Dallas Stars among those showing interest in the Calder Cup champion Kadri.

Nazem Kadri: In Demand and In Control

TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger reported that Calgary Flames General Manager Craig Conroy has been in ongoing talks with Kadri’s camp regarding a potential trade, with the 35-year-old centerman drawing moderate interest from the Montreal Canadiens despite his three-year contract with a $7 million AAV.

Kadri, who has nine goals and 34 points in 49 games this season, holds a 13-team no-trade list but is working with agent Darren Ferris to find a suitable deal for both parties. “Kadri is 35 and he wants to win a Stanley Cup,” said Dreger. “But he also wants to do what’s best for the Flames.”

Montreal Canadiens: Potential Suitors for Both Kadri and Coleman

The Canadiens, currently third in the Atlantic Division with 63 points, have been linked to both Kadri and Coleman, with TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun previously connecting the dots between Montreal and the 34-year-old winger.

Coleman, who has one year left on his $4.9 million contract, has registered 13 goals and 21 points in 44 games this season. However, his 10-team trade-approved list may present a challenge for the Flames, who might ask for a premium, including a prospect and a draft pick.

Flames’ Patience a Factor in Trade Decisions

The Flames, mired in last place in the Pacific Division with 47 points, may not be in a hurry to trade away their veterans. “You’d have to pay a premium for Blake Coleman,” said Dreger. “The question will be if, capital IF here, Hughes is willing to engage on Kadri or Coleman, what prospect are you looking to get back?”

Flames’ Kadri and Coleman: Familiar Faces, Formidable Achievements

• Kadri has 744 points in 1,034 career games with the Flames, Colorado Avalanche, and Toronto Maple Leafs since being selected seventh overall in the 2009 NHL Draft.
• Coleman, drafted 75th overall in 2011, has 311 points in 668 career games with the Flames, Tampa Bay Lightning, and New Jersey Devils.

Montreal Canadiens: Playing the Long Game

After acquiring Phillip Danault from the Los Angeles Kings earlier this season, the Canadiens may not rush their next trade. “Montreal is in no hurry to make their next move,” said LeBrun. They could wait until the Olympic break to assess their roster needs.

Did you know?

Kadri won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, becoming the first Muslim player to win Lord Stanley’s Mug. Coleman, meanwhile, is a two-time Calder Cup champion, winning with the AHL’s Norfolk Admirals in 2012 and the Syracuse Crunch in 2013.