The talk within the Calgary Flames fanbase over the last few weeks has been the future of forward Nazem Kadri. With the team having a slow start to the season, the idea of trading veterans has been a worthy discussion.

Kadri’s trade protection also changed this season, as his NMC converted to a 13-team no-trade list. After his 1000th milestone game, the speculation is that the Flames would start shopping him. However, one insider doesn’t exactly agree. According to insider Darren Dreger, Flames owner Murray Edwards himself has reportedly expressed zero interest in trading the 35-year-old, expressing his desire to keep the core of the team intact

Dreger on Insider Trading: “Murray Edwards, the owner of the Calgary Flames, is telling people that he has no interest in trading Nazem Kadri, in fact he doesn’t want to trade Nazem Kadri, he loves the core of this team”

— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) November 6, 2025

Dreger’s comments are not encouraging for rebuild supporters

Ownership has been the Flames’ weakest link ever since Edwards became the majority owner of the team. The idea of trying to make the playoffs every season has resulted in years of mediocrity and little to no playoff success for this team.

It’s why this season is being viewed as the perfect opportunity to do the right thing: selling off aging players for future assets. Kadri’s demand in the league right now is substantial, with multiple teams interested in upgrading their second-line centre spot. With that being said, fans’ biggest fear regarding a rebuild has been whether ownership would cooperate or not.

It’s why Dreger’s latest comments are believable for Flames fans. Frankly put, Edwards is among the worst owners in the league, and it’s easy to see why. If he’s not willing to build for the future when he owns a team with no elite talent, it’s not encouraging. The 2026 draft is next year, and the Flames have the opportunity to draft a franchise-changing player. Yet it’s another case of Flames ownership prioritizing short-term gains over a long-term vision.

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