Multiple Teams Are Reportedly Checking In on Nazem Kadri
Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
With the Calgary Flames struggling to start the season, trade rumors surrounding Nazem Kadri are surfacing again, with Elliotte Friedman adding fuel to the fire.
Doing themselves no favors to start the season, the Calgary Flames currently sit dead last in the NHL with a 1-6-0 record, tied in points with the winless San Jose Sharks.
That's right, a team who hasn't won is doing better than a team who has (based off points percentage). It's a complete contrast from last year where the plucky Flames were on the cusp of a postseason spot, but fell just short.
With this sudden downfall comes a lot of questions about the roster's future, especially with pending free agent Rasmus Andersson still undecided about whether or not he wants to stay.
Could the Maple Leafs Be a Sleeper Team in the Kadri Conversation?
But another veteran who could be on the move is Nazem Kadri, who's name has been bounced around in trade rumors over the past few months, and it looks like those talks may have resurfaced.
According to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, if Kadri is on the move somewhere then the package offered to acquire him is going to teetering on astronomical:
Can you imagine the haul that Calgary's going to be asking for, if if if, Nazem Kadri's out there?
While there is no denying his skill and production, there is some concern about acquiring a 35-year old with several years left on his deal. There's no guarantees he can continue this as he gets older, and giving up so much is a huge risk.
His old team the Toronto Maple Leafs could certainly make a play, and offer a package that could include names like Nick Robertson, David Kampf, Calle Jarnkrok, Max Domi, or even Bobby McMann.
They have always been linked to him when the rumors pop up, and Kadri's made it clear he would entertain a move back, but have competition from rivals like Montreal for his services.
How Kadri's Market Could Influence Toronto's Trade Deadline Plans
But as always it's high risk and high reward when it comes to bringing in a player of Kadri's ilk.
If GM Craig Conroy is getting a king's ransom, or expecting one for Kadri's services, then the Maple Leafs are going to have to make a big decision.
Do they try and set the precedent for the trade market with a blockbuster for Kadri, or do they sit and wait to see what the cost is and try to find a cheaper alternative?
With a real lack of assets and one first-round pick at their disposal, it's going to come down to a lot of creativity for Brad Treliving and offer either a unique package, or make a deal earlier in the season to open up space.
The team went all-in at the deadline last season trading for Brandon Carlo and Scott Laughton, and spent most of their remaining assets and it hasn't worked out great.
They are going to have to tread lightly when it comes to a Kadri deal, however with the way things are looking in Toronto, it might be a case of desperate times calling for desperate measures.
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