Insider: Flames 'Won't Have A Choice' But To Trade Nazem Kadri

Nazem Kadri, Calgary Flames center, reacts during play

The Calgary Flames trade rumors have swirled all season long, as they continue to sit in 31st place overall in the NHL. Among the names most prominently mentioned in buzz around the league is Nazem Kadri. The competitive, gritty center would be a game-changer for many contenders going into the playoffs.

But while we keep hearing that Kadri doesn't want to go anywhere, and the Flames have no intention of trading him, insider Frank Seravalli said on the Kevin Karius show that undoubtedly is going to change as the sweepstakes really heat up and teams start to submit serious offers as we get closer to the trade deadline.

I think the offers are gonna be significant enough that they have to (agree to trade him). I don't think that they entered this season thinking they were gonna move him, but I think they're gonna not have a choice.

Seravalli doubled down on this wtih an appearance on Sportnet's "Big Show": “I’d say there’s a better than 50/50 chance he’s on the move."

Why teams will pony up significant offers for Nazem Kadri

With his combination of aggressive play, scoring ability and leadership qualities, teams who are ready to go 'all in' this season will be all over this.

Kadri was a key part of the Stanley Cup-winning Colorado Avalanche in 2022, and last season, at the ripe old age of 34, he recorded a career-high 35 goals with the Flames. This year, he has 18 points in 25 games to lead the team, and is logging a career-high average ice time of 20:11 per night.

Contending teams on the cusp of competing for a Cup will have no trouble overlooking Kadri's age (35) and remaining contract (three more seasons after this one at a $7 million cap hit) in order to make a big pitch to Flames' GM Craig Conroy. Of course, with his 13-team no-trade list, Kadri still holds some of the cards.