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NHL Insider Expects 'Bidding War' Amid Nazem Kadri-Maple Leafs Speculation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jul 6, 2025 10:19 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs' reported interest in landing Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri may have to wait, as there are multiple roadblocks on the path toward a reunion.

According to TSN insider Darren Dreger, for one, the veteran center is not available, or at least not right now.

“Kadri isn’t available,” Dreger said Friday. “Not saying that he won’t be available—let’s see how things go. A lot can change (before) the trade deadline.”

Dreger doubled down on his stance, saying that Kadri is not available from the Flames perspective, but also because he holds a no-move clause that allows him to block any deal.

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

“When you’re hungry for that type of (top-six, first-line) forward, they’re just not available,” Dreger said. “And truth is, Nazem Kadri isn’t available.”

Even if Flames general manager Craig Conroy changed course and made Kadri available, Dreger warned it wouldn’t be easy for the Leafs to land him.

“They’re not making him available just to the Toronto Maple Leafs,” Dreger said. “There’d be a bidding war.”

Kadri, 34, is entering the fourth year of a seven-year, $49 million deal with Calgary and holds a full no-movement clause until next summer, which will transition to a modified no-trade clause after that.

Kadri is coming off scoring 67 points in 82 regular-season games last season and remains a key part of Calgary’s top six. He won a Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2022, shortly after leaving Toronto, having spent 10 seasons with the Maple Leafs.

Toronto drafted the center with the No. 7 pick in the 2009 draft, and he appeared in 561 games with the Leafs, scoring 357 points.

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

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