Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images

Three NHL Analysts Agree on Potential Trade Destination for Flames' Nazem Kadri

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jul 20, 2025 9:00 AM ET

As speculation around Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri’s future continues, a group of NHL analysts has poured cold water on the idea of a reunion with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Instead, the analysts see Toronto's biggest rival, the Montreal Canadiens, as a potential suitor for Kadri with enough to offer Calgary in a blockbuster move that would sting for Leafs fans.

On Friday's episode of the "SDPN" podcast, Adam Wylde said a Leafs-Kadri reunion is far-fetched.

“The Leafs have nothing to give them,” Wylde said. “And the Leafs and Flames are not — they’re not doing business.”

Wylde added that Kadri "probably understands that he’s not likely to be traded ... at least not likely to be traded to the Leafs."

You know where Nazem Kadri would be an incredible fit...? #SDP pic.twitter.com/pOpaLnL0gV
— sdpn (@sdpnsports) July 18, 2025

Wylde then pointed to the Canadiens as a far more realistic landing spot for Kadri, assuming he gets moved at some point.

“For the Montreal Canadiens, if they can go and get a guy like Nazem Kadri, they are probably the top-three team in the division next year,” Wylde said.

Jesse Blake, in the same podcast, added that Kadri “fits so well in their lineup.”

“He’s exactly what they need — I don't know the assets they'd have to send out to get him from Calgary, but I think it's a perfect placement for him,” Blake said.

Steve Dangle agreed with his co-hosts, citing Montreal’s surplus of assets and a clear opening behind first-line center Nick Suzuki in the Canadiens' lineup.

“Montreal is a really interesting [destination],” Wylde explained. “They have assets, they have plenty of ambition ... and I think [Kadri] fits the 2C hole that they have, which is so glaring.”

Kadri is coming off a 35-goal season, the best of his career. He carries a $7 million annual cap hit through 2029.

As things stand, Montreal would need to clear cap space to make the move viable, as the Canadiens are $4.5 million over the cap. For a trade to happen, Kadri would also need to waive his no-move clause and approve a Flames-Canadiens transaction shipping him to Montreal.

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

More must-reads: