The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly among several teams expressing interest in acquiring Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri. According to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, the Maple Leafs, along with the Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche, Los Angeles Kings, and possibly the Dallas Stars, have been "kicking tires" on Kadri as the Flames evaluate their options.
Kadri, currently 35 years old, is in his fourth season with the Flames and has a contract that runs through the 2028-29 season with an average annual value of $7 million. The London, Ontario native also possesses a 13-team no-trade list, giving him some control over his destination.
The Flames, who recently traded defenseman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights, appear to be entering a rebuilding phase and are listening to offers for Kadri. Kadri has tallied nine goals and 34 points in 49 games this season. Throughout his 17-year NHL career, he has averaged 25 goals and 34 assists per 82 games.
For the Maple Leafs, acquiring Kadri would mark a reunion with a player who began his NHL career in Toronto, playing ten seasons with the team. Some observers feel that bringing back Kadri could provide the Maple Leafs with the boost they need. He could potentially slot into the second-line center position, playing alongside Matthew Knies and Matias Maccelli, and provide a physical presence and scoring touch to the top-six. Kadri's style of play aligns with Coach Craig Berube's preference for players who are tough to play against and play a direct, physical game.
However, neither the Maple Leafs nor the Avalanche has an urgent need for a center. Despite this, the possibility of Kadri returning to Toronto has generated considerable excitement among fans, with many clamoring for a reunion.
Dreger noted that Calgary's General Manager Craig Conroy is engaged in ongoing discussions with Kadri's representatives. Kadri reportedly wants to do what is best for the Flames but also desires to compete for another Stanley Cup. While the Flames are under no pressure to trade Kadri, his desire to win and the team's current standing may influence their decision.
Other potential destinations for Kadri include the Montreal Canadiens, who are looking to bolster their center depth, and the Colorado Avalanche, where Kadri previously won a Stanley Cup in 2022. However, one report suggests that a trade to Colorado is unlikely due to salary cap constraints and the team's current performance.
