4 Flames forward Nazem Kadri’s trade destination – Hockey writer – Calgary Flames
The biggest conversation about Calgary Flame this summer continues to center Rasmus Andersson. The 28-year-old defensive is expected to trade at some point. But he may not be the only one to go to the door.
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The speculation also revolves around the future of Nazem Kadri. While the 34-year-old seems to be happy in Calgary and the group is happy with him, the flames will bring huge rewards to the savvy veteran. His contract may not be ideal, with the remaining four seasons capped at $7 million, but manageable. The team in the controversial window can make the deal work, and these are four that can benefit from adding him.
Toronto maple leaves
Although there has been a lot of speculation about Cardi this offseason, most of them are focused on returning to Toronto Maple Leaf. Kadri started his career in Toronto with a reasonable argument that they could have won the Stanley Cup if they kept him with him.
Maple Leafs have been unable to replace Kadri since he traded after the 2018-19 season, and they now have room for hats to bring him back after Mitch Marner left this summer. Whether the Flames are interested in dealing with their former general manager (GM), Brad Treliving remains to be seen, but it is undeniable that Kadri is a perfect roster for the Maple Leafs. Of course, the flame will make Easton Cowan work hard to make a deal, but will the Maple Leaf be willing to separate from their highest prospects? This remains to be seen.
Montreal Canadian
Montreal Canadians have much less speculation than maple leaves and are also mentioned as the landing place in Cadri. The team is on the rise as some great young talents get them into the playoffs. But the lack of deep Canadian center behind Nick Suzuki makes Kadri a great goal. The flame may also be interested in Kirby Dach, who was often injured early in his career, but at the age of 24, he still had all the tools to be the top six centers.
Carolina Hurricane
The Carolina hurricanes didn’t cause any buzz, connecting them with Cardi, but they fit perfectly. Year after year, the team has become a Stanley Cup contender, but lacks the strength and determination of the stars to get them over the finish line.
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Kadri will provide them with tons, especially as a Stanley Cup champion. Nikolaj Ehlers landed in a free agent hurricane this summer, with more than $10 million in blocking space for the hat, giving them enough room to add to Kadri. He could easily bump into the wings by Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis next to the second row. As for the return, the flames would be happy to let them master potential customers like Bradly Nadeau or Nikita Artamonov.
New Jersey Devil
Then there is the New Jersey Devil. The team has a lot of talent, but they have too many holes at this point considered a true Stanley Cup contender. Adding Kadri will change this.
The Devil’s Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier insert in the center of their first two rows, meaning they can use Kadri as a winger or make him their third-line center. Either way, he will provide a huge boost to a team with over $6 million in cap space. The flame will target Dawson Mercer. He has been inconsistent over the past few seasons, but still has great potential and will provide them with a young choice in the middle.
Flames might want to move Cardari when they can
Although reports show that the flames have little desire to move Kadri, it all can change if they receive an offer worthy of attention. They should at least consider moving him as his game may start to drop. It may be in their best interest to receive large packages in exchange for Kadri to help the future of the organization.
