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Maple Leafs Get Bad News on Possible Reunion with Flames Center

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jul 5, 2025 9:22 AM ET

A reunion between Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri and the Toronto Maple Leafs has been widely speculated this offseason.

According to NHL insider Darren Dreger, reporting the update while appearing on TSN's "First Up" on Friday, that's not going to happen anytime soon.

“Kadri isn’t available,” Dreger said. “Not saying that he won’t be available - let’s see how things go with the Calgary Flames. A lot can change between now and the trade deadline.”

Kadri, 34, remains under contract with Calgary through 2029 at a $7 million cap hit and holds a full no-movement clause until next summer, which allows him to block any trade through the end of next season.

Darren Dreger: Nazem Kadri isn't available, not saying that he won't be available, let's see how things go with the Calgary Flames; a lot can change between now and the trade deadline; if the player were ever available Toronto would be interested - First Up
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 4, 2025

As Dreger pointed out, the Flames are more likely to explore a move once Kadri’s full no-move clause converts into a 13-team no-trade list in 2026.

Until then, Calgary’s front office appears content to keep the veteran center, although Toronto remains in contention to eventually land him.

“If the player were ever available, Toronto would be interested,” Dreger added.

Kadri has continued to produce in Calgary, posting 67 points in 82 games last season.

The veteran has been linked to a return to Toronto of late, with Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos reporting that "teams have been inquiring" about the center, with the Leafs among them.

The Maple Leafs drafted Kadri with the No. 7 pick in the 2009 draft. During his 10 seasons in Toronto, he played 561 games, accumulating 357 points, including 161 goals.

Kadri added 10 points in 19 postseason outings with the Leafs before winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022.

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

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