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NHL Analyst Sees Flames Keeping Nazem Kadri Unless One Thing Happens

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Aug 17, 2025 7:14 AM ET

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri has been at the center of trade speculation throughout the summer.

NHL analyst Jim Biringer, however, doesn't see the Flames moving their alternate captain anytime soon, as he made clear when appearing on TSN 690 on Tuesday.

“I mean, do I see there’s a fit? Yes, I think it’s a good fit for the Montreal Canadiens. Do I think it’s going to happen? No,” Biringer said. “Calgary had 96 points last year. They got as many points as you could without getting into the playoffs. They want to continue to improve.”

Biringer, however, left the door open for a potential trade under one circumstance: Calgary getting a blockbuster package in return.

“Unless it’s an offer that they can’t refuse, (Flames general manager) Craig Conroy and the Calgary Flames, he’s not trading Nazem Kadri,” Biringer said.

Outside Interest Does Not Match Flames' Priorities

As Biringer pointed out, Calgary missed the playoffs on a tiebreaker with 96 points last season, matching the St. Louis Blues in the standings.

While Biringer mentioned that clubs like Montreal, Carolina, Detroit, and New Jersey could use center depth, he stressed that most of those scenarios remain unrealistic given Kadri's contract and the Flames' potential demands in a trade package.

Biringer emphasized that the Flames still view themselves as contenders, and that's why it's unlikely they'll weaken their center depth by moving their best player at the position.

“You’re going to lose your number one center and try to find another center. Now you got to try to find two centers," Biringer said. "I think that’s something Calgary is not interested in."

Hockey Canada's Olympic Snub Adds to Nazem Kadri’s Motivation

Kadri, who signed a seven-year, $49 million contract with Calgary in 2022 after winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche, has led the Flames in scoring in each of the past two seasons.

The veteran center is coming off scoring 35 goals and 67 points last year, appearing in all 82 regular-season games. That production, however, wasn't enough to convince Hockey Canada's staff to offer Kadri a place in their pre-Olympics roster of 42 NHL players.

“I feel like I deserve a chance,” Kadri said after not making the roster. “I think over the last few seasons I’ve certainly proven that with my statistics and the winning pedigree. I think it speaks for itself.”

Canada’s final roster is due at the end of December, giving Kadri several months to strengthen his case whether he remains in Calgary or lands elsewhere before or during the 2025-26 season.

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

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