Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked to Nazem Kadri, but a new report indicates getting won’t be as easy as it seems.
Nazem Kadri recently played his 1000th NHL game, suiting up for the Calgary Flames in what was not only a milestone for the former Leaf, but was also setting up the potential of a new opportunity.
Reports have suggested that the Calgary Flames would consider trading Kadri, who no longer has a no-move clause, but not until his 1000th game. With that now done, the potential of a trade now becomes more of a possibility.
But with the potential interest from the Toronto Maple Leafs, getting Kadri wouldn’t be the easiest move to make, even with the Calgary Flames in the league’s basement.
Darren Dreger Reveals Flames Owner’s Firm Stance on Kadri
On Nazem Kadri, the Calgary Flames ownership has seemingly shut down any indication that Kadri could be on the trade block, and the idea that the Calgary Flames are seeking a deal isn’t happening.
According to Darren Dreger of TSN, the Flames ownership would rather not make a deal involving Kadri, and still value the 35-year-old as integral to Calgary’s roster.
Murray Edwards, owner of the Calgary Flames, he’s telling people he has no interest in trading Nazem Kadri, in fact, he doesn’t want to trade Nazem Kadri. He (Edwards) loves the core of this team, and so there’s a lot of hockey to end, a lot of hockey left in this regular season for the Flames, but it doesn’t sound like Flames ownership has any intention of trading away their veteran forward.
The Flames have made it clear they’re not interested in moving Nazem Kadri, even as Calgary is outside of the playoff race and in last place, potentially in contention for first overall.
Calgary seems to have the viewpoint that Kadri is integral to the Flames long-term, and that they have him signed until 2029, not making any sort of rebuilding plan even as they look like a team entering the Gavin McKenna sweepstakes, more likely McKenna would be key to a new offense than a new look.
Flames Ownership Views Kadri As Long-Term Roster Option, Not Trade Piece
The Calgary Flames aren’t actively shopping Nazem Kadri, but they may end up deciding to reconsider depending on how the next few months go.
At least from the view of owner Murray Edwards, Nazem Kadri is key to the Flames, and even if they were in the basement, he seems happier with, if they do get a top pick like McKenna, to have players like Kadri built around him rather than starting from scratch.
San Jose had built an existing team when they drafted Macklin Celebrini, who has found early success with the Sharks. Chicago, who selected Connor Bedard a year earlier, hasn’t seemed to get the same dominance with less options around him.Ultimately, Edwards may let the front office make the final decision if they want to move Kadri, and teams like the Maple Leafs could still be trying to pry him, and they’d have to convince Edwards it’s the right move.
The Toronto Maple Leafs could make the surprise reunion with Nazem Kadri, but they’d have to wait for the Calgary Flames to be comfortable before they get the chance.
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Flames Ownership Sends a Clear Message on Nazem Kadri’s Future
Does Nazem Kadri make sense for the Toronto Maple Leafs?