Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images

Flames' Nazem Kadri Reacts to Trade Rumors Before Maple Leafs Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Oct 28, 2025 9:04 AM ET

The Calgary Flames’ disappointing start to the season has sparked a wave of speculation around their veteran core, with center Nazem Kadri’s name at the center of it.

The 35-year-old center is five games away from reaching 1,000 career NHL appearances and leads the team in scoring this season.

As Calgary slid to the bottom of the Western Conference standings, reports suggested Kadri could be moved ahead of the March 6 trade deadline.

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, however, there is “zero chance” of a deal before Kadri plays his 1,000th NHL game, a milestone viewed as meaningful by both the player and the organization.

With his team’s season spiralling, trade speculation swirling, and a milestone in sight, Nazem Kadri will return to Toronto on Tuesday in the eye of the storm.@EricFrancis has the story. https://t.co/dc2mIGsYYs
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 27, 2025

Once that game is behind him, his changed contract status — now having a 13-team no-trade list instead of a full no-trade clause — is expected to foster trade discussions because of the increased flexibility.

Kadri directly addressed the trade talk on Monday while speaking to Sportsnet's Eric Francis.

“I’ve had to approach a lot more difficult situations than something like this,” Kadri said. “So for me, it’s really nothing that draws my attention. Obviously, there’s going to be some questions about it. I’m okay to answer them, but at the end of the day I’m focused on winning hockey games.”

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (91) prepares to take a face-off.Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Kadri also noted that his previous trade from Toronto to Colorado and the endless speculation he always finds himself in have helped prepare him for moments like this.

“I don’t think there’s anything, from a media PR standpoint, that I haven’t seen,” Kadri said.

Kadri signed a seven-year contract with the Flames in 2022 and is under team control through 2029. He scored a career-high 35 goals last season and has seven points (two goals, five assists) in 10 games this year.

Calgary ended its eight-game losing streak on Sunday with a 5–1 win over the Rangers. Kadri had a goal and an assist in the victory, and he will face his former teammate, the Toronto Maple Leafs, on Tuesday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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