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Why Rumored Nazem Kadri-Maple Leafs Trade Is 'A Stretch'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 8:15 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs' reported interest in reuniting with Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri continues to circulate.

NHL insider Nick Kypreos, however, is pouring cold water on the speculation because of the ties between Flames and Leafs.

According to Kypreos, appearing on Sportsnet 590 The FAN , it may be "a stretch" for Leafs general manager Brad Treliving to strike any deal with his former franchise.

"Brad Treliving has tried numerous times to trade with his old club in the past only to be shut down," Kypreos said. "On (Chris) Tanev, (Nikita) Zadorov and (Rasmus) Andersson. (So) it may be a stretch for the Leafs to land Kadri."

Nick Kypreos: Kadri has not asked to be traded, Calgary has not approached him; you can't tell me that Calgary's not contemplating it or at least understanding the marketplace; if the price is right Kadri could be had - FAN Pregame (Jul 15)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 22, 2025

Even with reported mutual interest in a reunion and with the Leafs having a top-six hole to fill created by the Mitch Marner trade, the Flames are not entertaining any deal involving Kadri.

"Kadri has not asked to be traded," Kypreos said. "Calgary has not approached him. You can't tell me that Calgary's not contemplating it or at least understanding the marketplace. If the price is right, Kadri could be had."

Kadri scored 35 goals and 32 assists in 82 games last season and remains a key piece for a struggling Flames team that finished 29th in goals scored last season.

NHL insider Frank Seravalli cited the aforementioned lack of offensive prowess within the Flames roster as one of the key reasons for Calgary not to even entertain the idea of trading Kadri.

"Not only has he done everything they’ve asked of him," Seravalli said, "but Calgary isn’t interested in moving him."

Kadri is under contract for four more seasons, part of the seven-year, $49 million contract he signed with the Flames back in 2022. He carries an annual cap hit of $7 million, and he last played for Toronto in the 2018-19 season.

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

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