Flames' Nazem Kadri Trade Linked to 2 Teams

The Calgary Flames have pulled off one blockbuster trade already this season, moving defenceman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights, and now, their attention has reportedly turned to veteran center Nazem Kadri.

Kadri's been in the trade rumor mill early on this season once the Flames were struggling and completely out of the playoff picture. The former Stanley Cup champion is signed through the 2028-29 season at $7 million AAV, and owns a 13-team no-trade clause.

TSN's Darren Dreger recently commented on Kadri's future and linked the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars as two teams to keep an eye on as trade talks heat up. 

Darren Dreger: Re Nazem Kadri: He'd prefer to go to an established contender, like Colorado; maybe Dallas...they've got money to play with - Barn Burner (1/16)

The Avalanche are expected to find a way to acquire a top-six forward and have been also linked to New York Rangers' Artemi Panarin. The Stars lost out on Andersson and have interest in a top-six forward and top-four defenceman, so fully expect to see them pull of something big. Ideally for the Flames, they are moving Kadri to the Eastern Conference, and if so, keep tabs on the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens.

Kadri's appeared in 48 games this season, scoring eight goals and 33 points, to lead the Flames. He's averaging 19:39 of ice-time, sees a ton of power-play time, but is rarely used as a penalty killer. Kadri's laid 29 hits this season, and is just below 50% win-rate in the faceoff circle.

The Flames are bottom feeding in the West, and Conroy and ownership continue to mull the future of their roster over as they have to balance blowing up their roster with opening up a new arena in the very near future.

Photo credit: Bob Lee, Imagn Images