Flames Should Not Consider Nazem Kadri Trade amid Avalanche Buzz, Latest NHL Rumors

Nazem Kadri has only played two seasons for the Calgary Flames, but he's signed to a long-term deal with the team. The 33-year-old center is under contract through the end of the 2028-29 campaign.

Not only that, but Kadri has a no-movement clause, meaning he has to approve any potential trade. So it sure feels like he'll be in Calgary for quite some time.

Or will he?

There's been some buzz this offseason about the possibility of the Flames considering a trade involving Kadri. According to TSN's Darren Dreger, other NHL teams have been calling Calgary to express interest in Kadri.

But Dreger also noted the Flames aren't in a "full teardown," despite having missed the playoffs three of the past four seasons, and they're "trying to reset their roster," with Kadri still being a part of it. He is also a fan of Calgary, per Dreger.

Earlier this month, however, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported that Kadri would be willing to waive his no-move clause for the "right situation." Pagnotta said during an appearance on Edmonton Sports Talk that Kadri "would welcome" a return to the Colorado Avalanche.

Kadri previously played three seasons in Colorado from 2019-22.

Pagnotta shared as well that the Flames could be open to exploring the possibility of a trade involving Kadri.

So there's a bit of smoke out there regarding Kadri's status with Calgary. It isn't completely clear whether he and/or the team would like a trade to happen, or if anything has been close in recent weeks.

The Flames would be wise to keep Kadri as a core player, though.

Kadri is coming off a 2023-24 campaign in which he tallied 75 points, the second-highest total among his 15 NHL seasons. He recorded 29 goals and 46 assists while playing in all 82 games.

Even though Kadri is a veteran at this point in his career, he likely still has plenty of productive years ahead of him. He's notched at least 56 points in each of the past three seasons.

It makes sense for the Flames to retool some things to try to get back into the playoffs and get closer to being a Stanley Cup contender. But Kadri could help them do that, while also serving as a mentor to some of the younger players in the organization.

Although Calgary should likely listen to offers (as any team should do), it shouldn't give away Kadri just to move him. The best bet could be to turn down negotiations, keep Kadri and build around him moving forward.