Nazem Kadri has become one of the notable trade targets this season as the Calgary Flames continue to struggle out of the gate. With a 4-9-2 record, the Flames sit at the bottom of the Pacific Division. They’ve dropped three of their last five games. But they managed to win their previous two.
Despite being in the fourth year of his seven-year, $49 million contract, Kadri is drawing interest from several contending teams in need of a reliable top-six center. The Montreal Canadiens are reportedly leading the pack as they search for a second-line pivot. However, Flames owner Murray Edwards appears to have a different stance when it comes to moving Kadri.
Why Are Fans Turning on Flames Owner Murray Edwards Over His Plans for Nazem Kadri?
On Insider Trading, NHL insider Darren Dreger reported that Murray Edwards has no intention of trading Kadri. He said that he, “is telling people that he has no interest in trading Nazem Kadri… he loves the core of this team.” It appears the Flames’ ownership has no intention of moving on from their veteran forward anytime soon.
That stance hasn’t sat well with fans, many of whom have taken to social media to express their frustration.
One fan compared Edwards to hands-on sports owners, saying, “Ok, Jerry Jones.” In reference to the Dallas Cowboys owner, who is also the team’s president and general manager.
Another fan questioned the purpose of even having a general manager, saying things like, “Why do the @CalgaryFlames bother hiring a GM if ME is gonna make all the decisions?”
Several fans voiced deeper concerns about the Flames’ long-term direction. One wrote, “We are turning into the joke of the nhl. Give it up man fans would much rather watch youth and hope than old guys who are keeping us in the middle”. Another fan bluntly said, “Stop trying to run the team, Edwards. Let Conroy do his job.”
Others were more cautious but still skeptical, with one saying, “Well, see what he has to say if were still bottom 3 in February.” Some expressed hopelessness about the future, noting, “This is very bad if you are a Flames fan. You can get rid of a GM but the owner has a mindset and hasn’t budged. This team won’t be good for a looooongggg time.”
Kadri recently marked his 1,000th NHL game with a goal against the Blue Jackets, and the Flames now aim to bounce back Friday against the Blackhawks at Scotiabank Saddledome.
Kadri is in the 4th year of a 7 year contract. details matter