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Nazem Kadri Wants Trade: Team Already Moving Pieces for Big Swing?

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Feb 24, 2026 8:06 PM ET

Recent reports indicate that Nazem Kadri has expressed a desire to be traded from the Calgary Flames as the NHL trade deadline (March 6, 2026) approaches.

TSN insider Darren Dreger reported on Tuesday that the Flames are testing the market on Kadri, and at this point, he “wants to be traded.” This marks a shift from earlier reports, which described him as “open to being moved.”

Kadri, 35, is in the fourth year of a seven-year, $49 million contract ($7M AAV) and leads the Flames with 39 points (10 goals) this season. He has a 13-team no-trade clause, giving him input on destinations.

Trade Speculation Has Intensified

The Flames are out of playoff contention and appear to be in a selling/rebuilding mode. As such, Kadri’s name, as well as others like Blake Coleman, are all over the rumor mill. Insiders like Eric Francis (Sportsnet) have called a Kadri trade “all but inevitable,” potentially this deadline or in the summer/offseason.

The Flames have received strong offers, but salary retention may be necessary given his cap hit and term.

Kadri had been previously quoted as saying, “I’m a Calgary Flame. My dedication is to here for now.” That seems to have changed and he’s ready to start fresh on another team.

Are the Colorado Avalanche Frontrunners?

Potential suitors mentioned in varying articles include the Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche (a reunion), Minnesota Wild, Detroit Red Wings, Seattle Kraken, and even Montreal Canadiens.

The Avalanche cleared up some cap space on Tuesday with a trade that sent Sam Girard to Pittsburgh for Brett Kulak. Was that the precursor for a move to acquire Kadri? They have $8.7 million to spend, meaning they’ve got the room to take a swing.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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