New details could mean a Nazem Kadri trade is more likely to transpire this season

If Friedman is correct – and I have no reason to believe he’s not – that could dramatically shift trade talks this year. Everyone was under the impression that Kadri had another season where he had a full say in his future. I don’t think Elliotte is throwing that out as his first thought for nothing. It has been quietly mentioned several times over the last number of years that Kadri isn’t interested in playing for a rebuilding team.

Suddenly, General Manager Craig Conroy would shift from having to get Kadri to waive his clause for any move to being able to talk with about 60% of the league. That opens options for him and the Flames should they decide to move in a new direction. It also gives fans and media more ammunition to speculate, much to the Flames displeasure I’m sure.

The Flames could get a haul with the current centre trade market

Among teams looking for an upgrade at centre; Vancouver, Carolina, Montreal, Boston, Nashville, Utah. I’m sure there are many more that would make a call for Kadri. I look at the Hurricanes and Canadiens in particular as two teams that make a ton of sense for him. The Hurricanes are a second line centre away from looking like the team to beat for the Stanley Cup. The Canadiens have done a fantastic job rebuilding their roster, but still have an opening at centre after Kirby Dach didn’t pan out. What better veteran to add to Montreal and propel them into their competitive window than Kadri?

If things continue to be rocky in Calgary, I could see a situation where a team blows the Flames out of the water with an offer and they bite. We know they’ve been hesitant to move Kadri – along with other veterans – because of the culture and all that, but if things continue as they have, that could change. Alongside Rasmus Andersson, the Flames would possess an arsenal of trade deadline talent that could plunder future assets that benefit this team for years.