The Calgary Flames have recovered a lot after this 5-13-3 start this season. It seemed as if all hopes were lost early in the season, but their situation started to change in December. Now they are 21-23-5, but they know that this roster is not built to compete this season.
Are the Calgary Flames Exploring Options With Nazem Kadri on the Trade Table?
Recent back-to-back losses like a 5-1 loss against Seattle, a 4-1 loss to Montreal, and another 4-1 loss to the Bruins have weakened their playoff hopes, making them potential sellers. Their roster is vulnerable, and it has left the management with important decisions about balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term planning.
Flames general manager Craig Conroy has not ruled out the possibility of trading Nazem Kadri, indicating that the team is open to moves that could improve the roster.
Conroy told The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, “It’s a tough one. Because you don’t ever want to say in our job, it’s never going to happen. If there’s a deal out there that makes you better?
“That could be anybody (not just Kadri or Coleman). You’re always trying to focus in on, ‘How do we do this? Do we get younger? Do we get draft picks?’ We’re just looking forward to make this team as competitive as we can as quickly as we can, but that could also mean keeping guys. I don’t even want to attach names, but you’re always talking to teams.”
Kadri, 35, has had a down year if we consider his scoring, but he is still averaging nearly 20 minutes of ice per game. So far this season, he has 34 points with nine goals and 25 assists over 49 games.
He combines physicality with skillful puck handling and aggressive forechecking, helping his teammates in both power-play and even-strength situations. His production is still effective, but Calgary’s inconsistent performance has raised questions about his future with the team.
Trade speculation around Kadri has grown with input from insiders. TSN analyst Darren Dreger said on the “Barn Burner” podcast, “I think there’s a strong chance that Nazem Kadri is traded, I do; could a return trip to Colorado be possible? I think it’s possible.”
Similarly, NHL insider Frank Seravalli suggested Minnesota could also be a potential destination. These discussions show Calgary’s balancing act between keeping veteran leadership and gaining younger players or draft picks for the future.
Calgary has been active in reshaping the roster, including trading defenseman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights for Zach Whitecloud, prospect Abram Wiebe, and future draft picks.
Kadri’s situation remains a central focus, as the Flames consider options that could improve the team’s competitiveness now while preparing for sustained success in the future. The decisions made in the coming weeks will play a key role in determining Calgary’s playoff trajectory and long-term roster strategy.
