The Calgary Flames find themselves in an awkward spot as the NHL’s summer trade market begins to cool off.
With most big names already settled, Calgary is still searching for a way to shake things up, especially at center. The Flames have stayed quiet in free agency, holding onto $15 million in cap space, and now rumors are swirling that they could be ready to make a splash.
Can the Flames Find a New Home for Center Nazem Kadri?
So far in the 2025 offseason, the Calgary Flames haven’t pulled off any major trades. That leaves them in a tricky spot. On one hand, they have room to maneuver under the cap. On the other hand, it’s clear they need to add some new faces to the roster.
Calgary hasn’t reached the playoffs since losing in the 2022 conference semifinals. Last season, they managed just 41 wins, and their offense didn’t make much noise. To shake things up, there’s talk that the Flames are exploring a trade involving Nazem Kadri, their top scorer last season with 35 goals and 67 points.
Despite those numbers, Kadri’s name keeps coming up in trade rumors. The two teams most often mentioned as potential suitors are the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens. However, not everyone agrees on how real that interest is.
With all due respect to Kypper, I’m told the interest is not mutual with the Habs. This sounds like the Flames trying to create the marketplace. https://t.co/HLlyNbrJS2
— Jimmy Murphy (@MurphysLaw74) July 15, 2025
According to NHL reporter Jim Murphy, the Canadiens aren’t actually interested in Kadri. Murphy tweeted, “With all due respect to Kypper, I’m told the interest is not mutual with the Habs. This sounds like the Flames trying to create the marketplace.”
That’s a different take from what NHL insider Nick Kypreos reported earlier, linking Kadri to both Montreal and Toronto.
Per Nick Kypreos, Kadri continues to be linked to the Canadiens and Maple Leafs and he may be willing to waive his no-move clause for either.
What do you think about Kadri as the #2 center?#thesickpodcast #GoHabsGo@TonyMarinaro pic.twitter.com/IEmZOGCLGq
— The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) July 15, 2025
Kadri is in the fourth year of a seven-year deal and has a no-move clause, which means he can’t be traded without his approval. His $7 million cap hit also complicates things for the Maple Leafs and Canadiens, who are already tight against the cap.
There is some chatter that Kadri might be open to waiving his no-move clause for the right situation. For Toronto, which just lost its leading scorer, adding Kadri could help fill a hole.
RELATED: Maple Leafs Target, Calgary Center Nazem Kadri, Confronts Trade Speculation Head-On
But with only a little over $5 million in cap space, making the numbers work would be tough. Montreal, meanwhile, is already $4.5 million over the cap, so a deal seems even less likely there.
Right now, the Flames are doing what they can to find a new home for Kadri or at least drum up some interest. But as things stand, there’s no sign of a deal getting done anytime soon.
