Flames Face Difficult Nazem Kadri Decision Before Deadline

Things aren't going well for the Calgary Flames. With just 55 points, they sit seventh in the Pacific Division with the playoffs mostly out of their hands. With the chances of postseason hockey being out of the window, they are staring down a classic rebuilding dilemma as the March 6 trade deadline approaches.

General manager Craig Conroy must decide whether to keep Nazem Kadri as a veteran leader who can teach young players how to win big games. Kadri has the grit that it takes to lead a side to a Stanley Cup, as he did with the Avalanche back in 2022.

However, on the flip side, Conroy can also choose to trade the 35-year-old to clear some space to bring in some new names and fresh talent ahead of the next season.

The Case for Keeping Him

Kadri brings exactly what rebuilding teams need from their veterans. He's a Stanley Cup champion who won with Colorado in 2022. He plays with snarl and emotion, setting a tone that young players can follow. He leads by example on and off the ice.

Even if you're rebuilding, don't you need a few tone-setters to hang around and show the kids what championship habits look like? That's the argument for holding onto Kadri despite Calgary's obvious seller status.

The Flames have already traded most of their core over the past couple seasons, including Rasmus Andersson to Vegas earlier this year. Kadri represents one of the last remaining veterans who can provide that leadership presence.

The Case for Trading Him

But Kadri could also command a significant return given his impact as both a scorer and emotional leader. He scored a career-high 35 goals last season and has 12 goals and 29 assists for 41 points this year. Contenders pay a premium for playoff-tested centers who bring intensity and scoring ability.