The final days before the NHL trade deadline often bring unexpected discussions across the league. And the Colorado Avalanche entered that period looking for depth as it prepared for the playoff race.
Several possibilities appeared on the market as teams evaluated their rosters. One familiar player briefly became part of those conversations before plans shifted.
Nazem Kadri Trade Talks End As Avalanches Acquire Nicolas Roy Before Deadline
The Avalanche approached the March 6 trade deadline while sitting near the top of the league standings. The team has produced strong results this season and continues exploring the market for depth at center. During that search, a potential reunion with Nazem Kadri entered discussions.
Kadri currently plays for the Calgary Flames under a long-term contract. The veteran center is signed on a 7-year, $49,000,000 deal that carries a $7 million annual cap hit. His contract has three more seasons after this one, which makes any trade more complex for teams close to the salary cap.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that Colorado and Calgary held talks about Kadri before the Avalanche completed another move. In his Sportsnet column, Friedman wrote, “Prior to trading for Nicolas Roy, Colorado and Calgary did discuss Nazem Kadri.” The discussions came as Colorado reviewed options to strengthen its center depth.
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The Avalanche later completed a deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs to acquire Nicolas Roy. Colorado sent a conditional 2027 first-round pick and a conditional 2026 fifth-round pick in return. Roy is expected to fill a third-line role and adds playoff experience from his time in Vegas.
Friedman also explained that the possible return for Calgary may have looked similar to the picks involved in the Roy trade. He wrote, “I have to assume the same picks Toronto received (a first and a fifth) were available, and there was an understanding of some level of retention.”
However, the negotiations did not move forward, and Friedman added, “Never got over the finish line. Kadri has stuck to his no-trade list, so far.”
Another report from insider Nick Kypreos suggested that ownership concerns in Calgary affected the outcome of the discussion. Because Colorado is close to the salary cap, the deal likely required the Flames to retain part of Kadri’s salary. That financial element may have complicated the negotiations between the two teams.
Colorado must also consider its long-term salary structure. The team will eventually address a new contract for defenseman Cale Makar, which makes future cap flexibility important when evaluating potential trades.
Kadri continues to play a major role for Calgary this season. The 35-year-old center leads the Flames with 41 points in 61 games. Despite the trade speculation, his place in the lineup remains unchanged.
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The veteran center addressed his situation earlier this season when discussing the possibility of a move. “At the end of the day, they can decide,” Kadri said on Feb. 23. “I think everybody has to explore every avenue as to what’s best for me, and what’s best for the team.”
He also acknowledged the uncertainty around the situation. “Whether that’s here or not, I’m not quite sure, but I enjoy being here at the end of the day.”
For now, Colorado has moved forward with Roy in its lineup, while Kadri remains in Calgary as the league waits to see if another team revisits a possible trade.
