Insider Provides Key Update on Potential Nazem Kadri Trade to the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
NHL Insider Darren Dreger gave fans an indication about a potential Nazem Kadri trade and mentioned that other teams besides Toronto could use the veteran star.
The rumors of Nazem Kadri being trade from Calgary were a focal point of the offseason for several weeks before the speculation seemingly died down as the Flames seemed to stand firm on keeping their veteran star.
The Toronto Maple Leafs were the team who got the most attention, most notably due to the past connection to Kadri and the fact the old guard is no longer running things; a reunion seemed likelier.
Toronto's Pursuit Of Nazem Kadri Hits Snag After Insider Report
But it's going to be a hard sell for Brad Treliving, especially when dealing with his old team, and it looks like acquiring Kadri may become significantly harder.
According to NHL Insider Darren Dreger, who appeared on the Barn Burner podcast Friday, Kadri's suitors don't just only involve his former team, but some of their biggest rivals:
There'd be many teams with interest, not just the Leafs. Canucks need some help, the Canadiens; just go around the league.
But then what does Calgary do? It's gonna take...a tremendous overpay.
But then what does Calgary do? It's gonna take...a tremendous overpay.
It's a bit of a double-edged sword when it comes to trading for Kadri. On one hand, you have a proven winner with playoff credentials, and some of the most consistent regular season production over the last half decade.
But you're also bringing in a 35-year old on a $7-million AAV contract with another three years to go; that's on top of already paying Calgary a king's ransom just to bring him aboard.
Kadri, 35, had 67 points in 82 games last season (35 goals, 32 assists) which is a slight dip from his 76-point season in 2023-24.
He won a Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2021-22 and put up a career-best 87 points (28 goals, 59 assists) with 44 points in 52 playoff games (19 goals, 25 assists).
Can Any Team Afford Nazem Kadri?
So it leads us to the next question: Can anyone afford Kadri in the first place?
Knowing that the Flames were so close to a playoff spot, and he was a huge part of it, Craig Conroy isn't going to let him go for anything but a premium return and that narrows things down significantly.
A team like Montreal not only has the available cap space but also hold the pieces capable enough to pull off a deal.
Kirby Dach, Jake Evans, Jayden Struble, and Joshua Roy are all young promising players who could entice Conroy to add some youthful potential for an aging Kadri, save some money, and perhaps snag one of Montreal's nine draft picks in 2026.
Conroy has a lot to worry about as well with Rasmus Andersson's looming contract, and at the risk of losing two stars, at least he can trade one off to bring in assets to cover for Kadri whilst focusing on extending Andersson.
Any team who is able to add Nazem Kadri to their lineup is assuredly getting a reliable and productive star. The only concern is whether the price paid for him ends up being too much to bear in the future.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 6 | 1342 ANSWERS Insider Provides Key Update on Potential Nazem Kadri Trade to the Maple Leafs Do you think Nazem Kadri is going to accept a trade back to Toronto? | ||
| Yes | 707 | 52.7 % |
| No | 635 | 47.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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