Nazem Kadri potential trade destination (Getty Images) Nazem Kadri’s name continues to dominate NHL trade chatter, and with good reason. The 34-year-old centre remains one of the most consistent two-way forwards in the game, posting 35 goals and 67 points last season while playing a full 82 games for the third straight year. With Calgary in a transitional phase and Kadri holding immense trade value, speculation around a potential move is gaining serious traction. Here’s a look at five logical destinations, should the Flames decide to part ways with their veteran pivot.
Nazem Kadri’s time in Calgary nearing an end? Five franchises that could be his next stop
New Jersey Devils The Devils already boast a lethal one-two punch in Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, but Kadri would inject much-needed edge into the lineup. Slotting him in as a third-line centre would be a luxury few teams could match. There’s also history between Calgary and New Jersey, including the recent Jacob Markstrom trade. Dawson Mercer’s name might resurface if a deal is explored, offering the Flames a younger piece with upside. And with coach Sheldon Keefe’s familiarity with Kadri from Toronto days, the fit could be seamless.Montreal CanadiensThe Canadiens have been hunting for a second-line centre all offseason. Kadri, a Southern Ontario native and lifelong Habs fan, could be a poetic fit. With a surplus of prospects nearing NHL readiness and a wealth of draft picks, Montreal has the arsenal to make this deal happen. The real tension lies in how Canadiens fans feel about finally embracing a player they once booed on draft day. Would acquiring Kadri mean closing the book on their Sidney Crosby dream? Possibly. But it might also signal a serious commitment to winning now.Colorado Avalanche Kadri’s best season came with Colorado, where he helped the Avs capture the 2022 Stanley Cup. With Gabriel Landeskog finally back from a long injury layoff and Brock Nelson added to the mix, Kadri’s return could rejuvenate Colorado’s forward core. Cap space is tight, but if a player like Martin Necas is involved in the package—freeing up $6.5 million—it’s not impossible. The biggest hurdle? Kadri’s full no-move clause and whether he’d greenlight a return to the Mile High City.Carolina HurricanesCarolina has been aggressive in reshaping its roster, and Kadri might be the final puzzle piece. He’d anchor the second line behind Sebastian Aho, giving the Canes depth and physicality needed for playoff wars. With over $10 million in cap space and an extra first-rounder from the Mikko Rantanen deal, GM Don Waddell has the tools to make something work. Kadri’s playoff pedigree could be the edge Carolina needs to go toe-to-toe with Florida’s rugged roster in a potential postseason clash.Toronto Maple LeafsKadri returning to Toronto would certainly stir headlines, but it’s complicated. “Toronto [general manager] Brad Treliving has tried numerous times to trade with his old club in the past,” Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos noted, “only to be shut down by the Flames.” The Leafs lack first-round picks and might not have the assets to compete with other suitors. Still, Kadri’s experience and grit could be exactly what Toronto needs to break their playoff curse—if Calgary’s front office is willing to open the door.Kadri remains a core veteran for Calgary, but as GM Craig Conroy navigates a youth-driven reset, a trade might be inevitable. With proven production, durability, and playoff mettle, Nazem Kadri could be the missing piece for several contenders– if he’s willing to wave.Also Read: NHL Trade Buzz: Connor McDavid’s future unclear as Oilers maintain wait-and-see stance while contract runs out