The new NHL season has started, and teams are now looking to build themselves out for a possible run at the postseason. However, all the rumors from the offseason that didn’t come to fruition have followed squads into the new year, and they likely aren’t going to end.
Trade rumors are still swirling around, even if most teams won’t make deals until closer to the trade deadline, which is months from now. This season has multiple organizations from around the league who believe that they can truly compete for a Stanley Cup title, which will likely fuel the rumors down the line.
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One rumor that has still been discussed is the idea of the Calgary Flames potentially trading away star Nazem Kadri. Kadri drew all sorts of interest from opposing teams this summer, but the Flames resisted moving him to this point.
However, it does seem like teams could circle back to the Flames around the trade deadline to see if a move could be reached. But which teams will show the most interest in the veteran star remains very much up in the air right now.
Maple Leafs, Canucks Reportedly Interested in Nazem Kadri
According to NHL insider Darren Dreger of TSN, multiple teams are being viewed as potential landing spots for the Flames star. Dreger mentioned the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, and the Montreal Canadiens specifically as options for Calgary to work with.
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Dreger also said that a deal could be tough to come by, mainly due to the Flames’ high asking price for Kadri. But trading away Kadri could be a smart decision for this franchise, considering the type of trade return that they would likely get for his services.
Both the Maple Leafs and Canucks have been heavily linked to Kadri, with Toronto being the most talked about. Kadri spent his first few seasons in the NHL with the Maple Leafs, and it could be a full-circle moment for both sides if it were to happen.
Kadri remains a very productive player for the Flames, and he could create a bidding war if actually put on the trade market. Last season with Calgary, the veteran put up 35 goals and had 32 assists over 82 games played in the regular season.
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The veteran can be both a star for a team, as well as also providing some strong depth to any organization. Kadri is a high-end scoring wing, and his physicality allows him to dominate on the ice.
The biggest potential roadblock to any deal is that Kadri has four more seasons left on his current contract. Kadri is scheduled to make $7 million each year, so Calgary may have a tough time moving him if they don’t retain any salary.
This entire situation remains fluid at best, and if the Flames were to start slow this year, we could see him be moved at the deadline. But Kadri is also a valuable player to Calgary, so a deal could be more complicated than it looks.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 12, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.