Tonight's Milestone for Nazem Kadri Could Mark the Start of Something Bigger

As a member of the Calgary Flames, Nazem Kadri is set to make his 1000th appearance in the league as Calgary takes on the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Drafted seventh overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Kadri spent a decade in Toronto before being traded to the Colorado Avalanche, where he won a Stanley Cup with the club in 2022, next season signing in Calgary where he has spent the last four seasons.

With Kadri's recent milestone in joining the 1000th game club, it opens an even bigger point, one that impacts both Kadri and the Flames, and could play a major part in Kadri's future, and once Kadri hits game 1000, things could quickly change in Calgary.

Previous reports have indicated that Nazem Kadri could be traded by the Calgary Flames once he gets to his 1000th game, with the team appearing to not want to move Kadri until that moment was to happen.

The news was reported by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, who indicated that the rebuilding Flames could look to move Kadri once he hits that number.

Friedman notes Kadri longer having a full no-trade clause changes things, allowing for Calgary to focus on rebuilding, and potentially have a shot at 2026 top prospect Gavin McKenna.

Kadri has been linked with a possible return to the Toronto Maple Leafs, but they'd have to find a way to afford his contract, making $7M until 2029.

Still productive, Toronto may likely have to give up a quality return, risking someone like Easton Cowan being a headliner with a lack of picks.

The 35-year-old Kadri leads the Flames with 10 points in 14 games this season, the team having gone 2-6-2 in their last 10 games and struggling overall as a team with a lack of offense and a sophomore slump from starting netminder Dustin Wolf.

Could Nazem Kadri find his way back to Toronto after six years away from the team? It's a possibility, but one that will be costly and may leave the Leafs debating how much they want to win now.