Talk of a potential Nazem Kadri reunion in Toronto has hit a roadblock. Despite mounting speculation this offseason, it looks like Calgary isn’t ready to part ways with the veteran forward just yet.
Nazem Kadri Not Expected To Move for Now
NHL insider Darren Dreger spoke about Kadri’s status on TSN’s First Up. “Kadri isn’t available. Not saying that he won’t be available…let’s see how things go with the Calgary Flames,” Dreger said. The quote hints at future flexibility, but for now, it’s a firm pause.
Darren Dreger: Nazem Kadri isn’t available, not saying that he won’t be available, let’s see how things go with the Calgary Flames; a lot can change between now and the trade deadline; if the player were ever available Toronto would be interested – First Up
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 4, 2025
Part of the hesitation is contractual. Kadri holds a full no-move clause until next summer, which means he controls his destination entirely. Even if Calgary considered moving him, they’d need his sign-off.
The 34-year-old center is in year four of a seven-year, $49 million contract. He’s produced consistently and remains a key voice in Calgary’s locker room. His experience, physicality, and playoff resume continue to make him valuable to a team still trying to remain in the mix.
Nazem Kadri Still Anchoring Calgary’s Lineup
Kadri finished last season with 67 points in 82 games. He continues to play hard, push pace, and bring a bit of bite to Calgary’s top six. Even at this stage of his career, he’s more than just a depth option.
It’s no surprise, then, that Toronto has been linked to him. Kadri knows the city. He knows the market pressure. His chemistry with a few current Leafs would make for an easy fit on the second line. But interest doesn’t equal availability.
Calgary has no intention of handing him over without exploring the full market. “They’re not making him available just to the Leafs,” Dreger explained. “There’d be a bidding war.”
Kadri’s contract is another wrinkle. At $7 million per season, it’s not unmanageable, but Toronto would likely need to move money to create room. If salary retention becomes a factor, that only makes negotiations harder.
Drafted seventh overall by the Leafs in 2009, Kadri played a decade in Toronto, collecting 357 points across 561 games. He brought skill, grit, and edge to the lineup before being moved to Colorado, where he eventually won a Stanley Cup in 2022.
