The prospect of Nazem Kadri donning a Montreal Canadiens jersey appears increasingly unlikely as the NHL trade deadline approaches. While the Canadiens initially expressed interest in the Calgary Flames center, recent developments suggest a shift in Montreal's priorities. Several factors contribute to the cooling of interest, making a Kadri-to-Montreal trade seem improbable.

Early in the season, the Canadiens were actively seeking to bolster their center depth with a player possessing Kadri's experience and grit. The team reached out to the Flames to gauge Kadri's availability, and notably, Montreal was not on Kadri's no-trade list, indicating a willingness from the player to consider a move to the Canadiens. At 35 years old, Kadri carries a $7 million annual salary through the end of the 2028-2029 season.

However, the Canadiens' needs have evolved, diminishing the urgency to acquire a veteran center like Kadri. The emergence of Oliver Kapanen as a reliable top-six center has been a significant factor. Kapanen's performance has solidified his position within the team, providing the Canadiens with a cost-effective and promising option down the middle.

Another pivotal move was the Canadiens' acquisition of Phillip Danault from the Los Angeles Kings. Danault's return addresses the team's defensive needs at the center position, offering a different dimension than Kadri without the long-term contractual commitment. With Kapanen and Danault solidifying the center position, along with the continued development of prospect Michael Hage, the Canadiens' front office appears hesitant to invest heavily in Kadri's $7 million contract.

According to Marco D'Amico, while the Canadiens did inquire about Kadri, the team's focus has shifted towards acquiring a top-six winger to complement Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. This suggests that Montreal is prioritizing offensive firepower on the wings rather than adding another center.

Despite the diminished likelihood of a trade, Kadri remains a valuable asset, and several other teams are reportedly interested in his services. The Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings, and Minnesota Wild are among the teams considered potential suitors for Kadri, all seeking to add an impactful center to their rosters.

While the possibility of a Kadri trade to Montreal hasn't been entirely ruled out, the convergence of factors – Kapanen's emergence, Danault's acquisition, and a shift in Montreal's focus – strongly suggests that Nazem Kadri will not be wearing a Canadiens jersey anytime soon. As the trade deadline approaches, Montreal's efforts will likely be directed towards bolstering their wing depth rather than pursuing a veteran center.