NHL Rumours: What Will Calgary Flames Star Forward Decide

Welcome back for another edition of NHL Rumours, and once again the focus is on the Calgary Flames. This time it’s their star forward Nazem Kadri. The Flames are off to their worst start in franchise history, which means the questions around the veterans are starting to increase dramatically.

All rumours come from the original source and are subject to change as we move forward.

NHL Rumours and Whether or Not Kadri Will Be On the Move

Rumour: In the midst of what’s increasingly becoming a lost season, questions around Nazem Kadri are swirling. Per Frank Seravalli, the Flames will give the team some time to right the ship. Moreover, teams are patiently waiting to engage with the Flames regarding Kadri’s status. Conversely, Pierre LeBrun also indicated that as long as Kadri is happy in Calgary, he would consider staying.

Analysis: Nazem Kadri was a huge part of the limited offensive production last season, scoring a career-high 35 goals at the age of 34 to help the Flames be in the playoff mix. 

The facts are fairly simple regarding Nazem Kadri, if he’s happy to stay in Calgary for the remainder of his contract he will. However, this year is the first year of a 13-team no trade clause. This is a drastic change as his original contract was for a no-movement clause set to change in July of 2026 rather than this season. It’s unclear if the request was made by the organization or Kadri’s camp.

With all that’s going on in Calgary, and knowing the competitive nature of Kadri, all signs are pointing towards a trade this season if the Flames can’t pull out of the nose dive.

Nazem Kadri Wants to Win

If there’s anything we’ve learned about Nazem Kadri’s career, he’s incredibly competitive and hates to lose. With the Flames dealing with the worst start in franchise history, it’s becoming more clear that this could be a lost season very quickly. Kadri, who was a key part of the Colorado Avalanche’s Stanley Cup win in 2022, decided to sign in Calgary expecting the team to be competitive. This hasn’t been the case.

Flames Considering Options

The Flames are looking for a offensive option to improve the teams scoring ability per Pierre LeBrun of TSN. Which includes the potential acquisition of Yegor Chinakov. Flames general manager Craig Conroy has been busy recently.

The rumour mill surrounding the Flames is undoubtably about to pick up in a drastic way, and considering the position the Flames are in right now all options should be on the table. The only untouchables would be young players as well as early draft picks. With most teams considering themselves contenders this season, there will be no shortage of options for the Flames to consider. Which also includes Rasmus Andersson’s contract situation as well.

There’s no shortage of teams that would be interested in the 35-year-old forward, who could be a key piece in a Stanley Cup run. Some teams that could be in the mix for Kadri’s services could be the Vancouver Canucks, Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Montreal Canadiens. It’s unclear which of these teams, if any, are on his no trade list. So far this season Kadri has four points in eight games, which currently leads the Flames in scoring.

If the Flames and Kadri decide that the season is unsalvageable, a move could be coming sooner than we think.