Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

'Zero Chance' Flames Trade Nazem Kadri, But There's A Catch

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Oct 26, 2025 11:18 AM ET

Nazem Kadri is nearing a major milestone, and that might be the only thing delaying his potential exit from the Calgary Flames.

Amid a 1–7–1 start to the season, trade speculation around the 35-year-old Flames center has ramped up.

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the team won’t make any move involving Kadri at least until he plays his 1,000th NHL game.

“There is zero chance, zero, he is going anywhere before he plays Game 1,000,” Friedman said during the “Saturday Headlines” segment. “He’s at 994 right now; it’s obviously a huge deal to him, his family, and the Flames, and nothing will happen before that 1,000th game is played.”

Saturday Headlines -- Masks/Kadri/Zacha:https://t.co/WvVvk8Txqe
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 26, 2025

The delay in a possible move, however, won’t last long. Kadri is six games away from the milestone, and his trade protection changed at the start of this season.

Friedman previously reported in Thursday's “32 Thoughts” column that Kadri’s contract switched this season from a full no-move clause to a 13-team no-trade list.

“One thing about Nazem Kadri: his contract switched this year from a full no-move to a partial, 13-team no-trade,” Friedman wrote.

Kadri remains under contract through 2029 with a $7 million cap hit. He scored a career-high 35 goals last season and is widely seen as one of the most attractive center targets ahead of the March 6 trade deadline.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (91) during a stoppage in play.Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images

The change in Kadri's contract clause also increases flexibility for the Flames, who now face pressure to consider future-focused decisions amid their worst start in years.

Friedman noted that Calgary’s original plan had been to remain competitive until the opening of its new arena, but that vision might be forced into a change given how things are going.

"All these teams are trying to find out, 'am I on (Kadri's no-trade) list?," Friedman said on Saturday. "Because if I am, and I want him, what are we going to have to do to sell him on the potential of coming to us, if Calgary decides to go down that road?'"

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

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