All the chatter and action of the NHL have reached a momentary pause, with the community’s focus shifting to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, which is currently hosting some of the league’s biggest stars, including Sidney Crosby, Macklin Celebrini, and Connor McDavid. Despite the pause, trade discussions have continued in full force.
Consequently, an insider has warned Kent Hughes about adding a veteran who has been aggressively linked to the Montreal Canadiens of late.
Insider Discourages the Montreal Canadiens from Participating in Nazem Kadri Sweepstakes
The Calgary Flames’ season has reached a point of no return. A few wins here and there haven’t done much for the Flames, and the team has not much hope to cling to this season. Calgary’s current slump is conducive to the development and intensification of trade rumours. Defenseman Rasmus Andersson, who was at the forefront of such speculation at one point, was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman are two other names that have dominated the Flames’ trade discourse. Recently, veteran center Kadri, who is currently in the fourth year of his seven-year, $49 million contract with the Flames, has been linked to cross-country rivals, the Canadiens.
Kadri could be open to a move to the Canadiens, and the team is not on the veteran’s 13-team no-trade list. However, Renaud Lavoie believes that the Habs better tread cautiously when it comes to taking on Kadri’s contract.
While acknowledging that the Habs do, in fact, have a legitimate interest, Lavoie stated that it wouldn’t be a prudent decision for the Canadiens to move in that direction. “Indeed, there is interest. But just because there’s interest doesn’t mean a trade will happen. In fact, it would be really unwise for the Canadiens to pursue that contract,” Lavoie stated, as shared by the NHL Rumour Report on X.Â
It is true that despite all that Kadri once was, he has not been at the top of his game recently. Moreover, given that there is still sufficient time left on his seven-year contract, the probability of his performance taking a dip even further is not entirely outside the bounds of possibility.
Also Read: Canadiens Trade Rumors: Montreal Urged to Take $49,000,000 Swing for Bona Fide Playoff Performer
On the other hand, the 35-year-old center is expected to bring extensive playoff experience and leadership to the Habs’ young roster. Moreover, the Canadiens, despite adding Phillip Danault, still need some extra help at the center.
At one point, the Canadiens were eyeing Sidney Crosby. The chances of landing Crosby have dipped significantly following the Pittsburgh Penguins’ freak comeback. If they are still looking for a veteran center with playoff experience, Kadri is one of the best candidates available right now.
Absolutely the Habs should NOT pursue Kadti or opthe aging veteran. A more realistic trade that fits their long term strategy would be to trade Guhle (with Matheson and Hutson on left, doesn’t make sense to have Guhle and $5.5M contact playing 3rd pair on left or on the right where he isn’t as effective) plus Newhook for Schneider (right shot to balance out their D and play with Hutson) and Cuylle (big, tough, physical forward to play right wing with Suzuki and Caufield) from the Rangers. Throw in Laine with 50% retained if necessary. Or even Xhejak for Cuylle