Insider Says Flames' Nazem Kadri May Be Willing to Lift No-Move Clause for Maple Leafs' Biggest Rival

"Two teams that Kadri continues to be linked to and appear to be willing to lift his no-move clause for are the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs," Kypreos wrote. "Toronto’s (general manager) Brad Treliving has tried numerous times to trade with his old club in the past, only to be shut down by the Flames, so it may be a stretch for the Leafs to land Kadri."

Kadri, 34, is coming off back-to-back strong seasons in Calgary. He posted a career-high 35 goals and 67 points in 82 games last year, following a 75-point campaign in the 2023-24 campaign.

Albeit entering the final stage of his career, Kadri remains a productive top-six option and would immediately address Montreal’s need for a second-line center.

Kypreos also thinks that Calgary's noncontending situation might lead the franchise to consider moving Kadri and other veterans, aiming at landing younger players and draft assets to contend in the future.

"The Flames are building up their young team," Kypreos wrote. "A trade now could also bring Calgary a package that would help them more in the long-term."

Kadri would bring Stanley Cup experience and leadership to a young Canadiens core still in transition, but which made the playoffs last season.

The veteran center's contract, however, might pose a challenge to ship to another team, including the Canadiens. Even if Kadri is willing to waive his no-movement clause, Montreal would land the four years still remaining on his seven-year, $49 million deal signed in 2022.

As things stand, with Montreal $5.4 million over the cap, trading for Kadri's $7 million annual cap hit is impossible, barring the Canadiens sending at least $12.4 million the other way or creating enough cap room with other moves.