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2nd center in Montreal: why not Nazem Kadri?

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 10:09 PM ET

We’ve said it before, but Montreal didn’t find its second center at the draft or on the free-agent market.

Kent Hughes tried, but in the end, the price was too high and too many teams were in the running to acquire a top-6 center.

Over the years, several centers have been linked to the Habs, but Nazem Kadri’s name has rarely (if ever) come up. Today, on the season finale of Tellement Hockey, Marc Antoine Godin asked himself, “Why not Kadri?”

He admits that his four-year, $7 million-a-year contract is a bit long, but the Habs can’t necessarily afford a short-term option.

Why can’t they? Well, because Michael Hage, who is the best in-house option for the position, isn’t certain to be a center in the NHL. Martin Lapointe may like the young man and his abilities, but seeing him become a center is far from assured.

“He’s elusive, he’s rangy, he’s got a good hockey head. His shot there… the release that’s hidden… the little dribble before ”

Martin Lapointe raves about Hage’s talent.

That’s why we absolutely want him to add a dimension to his game. https://t.co/Rc6LCDbGBq

– Nicolas Cloutier (@NCloutierTVA) July 4, 2025

So yes, Kadri could be an interesting option.

On a team that didn’t score many goals last year (Calgary), he collected 67 points in 82 games. He’s a good scorer, a hard-nosed player and an excellent teammate. Seeing him with Ivan Demidov for the next four years is something I’d try (at the right price). Does the right price mean giving away, among others, Joshua Roy, whose future in Montreal is increasingly doubtful?

Seven million dollars may be a lot, but it’s the price of a second center, unless you’re the Edmonton Oilers, hehe.

So why not Kadri in the metropolis? Note that the Tellement Hockey gang hasn’t given up on Kirby Dach, who should return to form in 2025-2026. In any case, this is his last chance season.

Overtime

-Speaking of second centers, would Evgeny Kuznetsov be a good fit in Montreal?

It’s Ask Pierre McGuire Anything Friday! Should the Habs chase Kuznetsov? https://t.co/OaYqzni3aD

– TSN 690 Montreal (@TSN690) July 4, 2025

– Great story.

.@mndamico tells us the story of how a high ranking person in Habs management told him Shane Wright was going to be the pick in 2022 pic.twitter.com/fx9NNrUZUV

– HFTV (@HFTVSports) July 4, 2025

– Looking good.

Latest images from inside the Olympic Stadium under construction. The technical ring is no more. Turn it into a baseball stadium, it’s not too late! pic.twitter.com/5wicNoVaHm

– Jeremy Filosa (@JeremyFilosa) July 4, 2025

– Nice read.

At some point, most field hockey players realize that their initial strengths aren’t enough and that they need to develop new assets to break through.
At the Canadiens’ development camp, prospects are quickly taught this harsh reality. https://t. co/nUleUsTCSY?

– Marc Antoine Godin (@MAGodin) July 4, 2025

– Ah well.

Senior Director of Leafs Player Development Hayley Wickenheiser revealed that there will be a horse trainer and a wild colt at Leafs development camp to demonstrate managing pressure and performance. pic.twitter.com/sRdCCpPKJ4

– BarDown (@BarDown) July 4, 2025