The Montreal Canadiens are off to a solid start in the 2025-26 season. Their 4-3 win against the Vancouver Canucks showed how consistent and focused the team has become. Ivan Demidov led the way with a goal and two assists, his first three-point game in the NHL. Montreal’s power play worked well again, with Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovský scoring.
The Canadiens now hold a 7-3-0 record and sit first in the Atlantic Division. They are averaging 3.60 goals per game and allowing 3.00. Suzuki has 13 points in 10 games, while Cole Caufield remains a key scorer. The penalty kill still needs improvement, but the team’s chemistry and structure look strong overall.
Are the Canadiens Considering a Move for Nazem Kadri?
Trade talk around Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri has recently included the Canadiens. Kadri, 35, is in the fourth year of his seven-year, $49 million contract with Calgary. He has seven points in 10 games this season. He continues to play over 20 minutes a night.
NHL insider David shared that Montreal is not on Kadri’s 13-team no-trade list, meaning a trade would be possible if interest grows.
As the Canadiens look to improve on centre, I can confirm that they are not on Nazem Kadri’s 13 team no trade list.
— David (@DcalabrettaTFP) October 27, 2025
Another insider, Elliotte Friedman, also discussed the topic on the “32 Thoughts podcast,” noting that Kadri’s clause change has caught the attention of several clubs.
“He’s got a 13-team no-trade now; his clause has changed. I heard that teams are all over it. Okay, am I on that list? Am I not on that list? I’m on that list. How did I end up on that list? And how do I change that? Like, I think that’s what’s going on here,” Friedman said on Monday.
He explained that teams are trying to determine whether they’re on Kadri’s list and what that means for trade options.
“But when you find out it’s a partial and you’re trying to find if you’re on that list, all of a sudden, if you realize you’re there, you’re like, what? We’re there. We like this guy,” Friedman added.
“How do we get off of there? So I think, and I’m sure Kadri, because he’s got a lot of personal pride and stuff. He’s out there saying, You know what, if people want me, I’m not giving up on my current team. That’s just not the way I’m wired. I’m going to compete for them.”
Although there are no signs of a trade happening soon, Montreal might explore Kadri as an option to add veteran experience and strengthen their center depth later in the season.