The Calgary Flames’ season continues to trend in the wrong direction. Sitting near the bottom of the Pacific Division with a 22-27-6 record and losses in six of their last seven games, Calgary’s playoff hopes are fading fast.
With the organization already beginning to sell off pieces, trade speculation has ramped up. And Nazem Kadri’s latest comments have only poured fuel on the fire, especially when it comes to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Flames’ Nazem Kadri’s Words Spark Fresh Maple Leafs Trade Buzz
Kadri and the Flames dropped a 4-2 decision to Toronto on Monday. But it was his pregame comments that stole the spotlight. When asked if he still stays in touch with former teammates, Kadri answered without hesitation.
He said he remains close with several key Leafs, William Nylander, John Tavares, Auston Matthews, and Morgan Rielly, adding, “Still great friends, hang out in the summer. Play some golf.”
Those words quickly fueled fresh buzz about a possible return to Toronto. Kadri, after all, broke into the NHL with the Maple Leafs. He spent 10 seasons there before stops in Colorado and Calgary.
Now in Year 4 of his seven-year, $49 million contract. Kadri also carries a 13-team no-trade list. Calgary is sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference and is already shaking things up. Most notably by trading defenseman Rasmus Andersson to Vegas, league insiders believe Kadri’s name could be next on the move list.
Reports have also suggested the veteran center would be open to a move.
That said, a return to Toronto doesn’t seem ideal at the moment. The Maple Leafs are struggling themselves. Sitting near the bottom of the Atlantic Division, with playoff hopes far from secure.
As a result, other teams appear to be more realistic landing spots. Montreal, Dallas, Colorado, and Minnesota have all been mentioned as potential suitors. On the ice, Kadri has been steady but not spectacular, putting up 37 points in 55 games this season.
From Calgary’s standpoint, the asking price would be significant. Any trade is expected to start with a first-round pick and a top NHL-ready prospect. Kadri’s $7 million cap hit for the next three seasons further complicates matters, and while salary retention could make a deal more appealing, it would likely drive the price even higher.
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For now, Kadri is still in Calgary, but the talk around him isn’t slowing down. The Flames next take on the Oilers on Wednesday.
