The Calgary Flames are off to a rough start in the 2025-26 season, and with a 1-6-1 record, the team is already facing difficult questions about its future. The offense has been nearly silent, averaging only 1.5 goals per game while allowing 3.63.
Now, with the team at the bottom of the Pacific Division, a tough decision looms regarding one of its most respected veterans.
Why Might the Calgary Flames Consider Trading Nazem Kadri?
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the organization is at a critical juncture. During the Oct. 20 episode of the “32 Thoughts” podcast, Friedman explained that Calgary must navigate a tricky path between staying competitive now and planning for the long term.
“This, to me, is a really careful time for Calgary, and I think it’s going to take some strength to go against the grain of what they normally like to do,” he said. “The Flames do not like to throw in the towel.”
Friedman added that the team’s strategy has been to time its competitiveness with the opening of its new arena in a few years. The plan involved keeping key veterans to guide their young talent, not committing to a full rebuild. He noted, “And they have some really good young players like that.”
However, the team’s poor performance is forcing a potential change in strategy. In his Oct. 23 “32 Thoughts” column, Friedman highlighted why a trade involving veteran center Nazem Kadri is now a realistic possibility.
“One thing about Nazem Kadri: his contract switched this year from a full no-move to a partial, 13-team no-trade,” Friedman wrote. This contract adjustment provides the Flames with much-needed flexibility to explore trade options if they decide a roster overhaul is necessary.
MORE: NHL Trade Rumors: Nazem Kadri Speculation Rises From the Ashes
Kadri, 35, remains a workhorse for the team, playing heavy minutes and averaging about 20 per game. Last season, he played in all 82 games, recording 35 goals and 32 assists. Over his 17-year NHL career, Kadri has played 993 regular-season games, scoring 307 goals and 407 assists for 768 points.
Despite his value, the conversation circles back to the bigger picture. Friedman emphasized that the organization may need to endure short-term struggles for long-term gain, especially with a promising draft class on the horizon. “I think the Calgary Flames, the best thing they can do is, if this is the year where they say, ‘All right, do we have to feel some pain?’ This is a really good draft,” he said.
While Kadri is a respected leader and an essential veteran presence, trading him could be the first major step Calgary takes if the franchise prioritizes its future over its present.
