Nazem Kadri Confirms He Is Open To A Trade

His name has been out there as a potential trade candidate all season long. But Nazem Kadri has always insisted that he's happy in Calgary and is not interested in leaving the Flames. There is now a significant change in that line of thinking, as we have a report from David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period.

Kadri is now open to a trade.

Multiple sources have confirmed that while he has not formally requested a trade, he and his camp have informed the Flames he is open to being moved.

With one stumbling block removed, the other would be his $7 million cap hit that runs for another three seasons. But it appears that that, too, is now something that can be dealt with.

"Some teams have asked the Flames if they have an appetite to eat some of his AAV, something I believe Calgary will consider depending on the offer," added Pagnotta.

Kadri would be a huge boost to Cup-contending teams in the playoffs

Kadri, the gritty two-way center, is a proven playoff performer with a Stanley Cup pedigree. There are a number of teams that would love to add him to their lineup heading into the postseason. The Central Division triumvirate of the Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild will be battling each other to try to land him, as well as other teams around the league, including the Montréal Canadiens.

"I'm really curious about Dallas now and Kadri being at the top of their target list," added Pagnotta.

The Flames veteran center is having a down year on the offensive side of the scale, with nine goals and 35 points in 52 games. But that could be largely attributable to Calgary's poorly performing surrounding cast this season.

At 35 years old, there's no doubt that Kadri would thrive in a playoff atmosphere if given the chance.

He has 30 goals and 69 points in 82 playoff games in his career, along with a superb plus/minus rating of +24, and 156 hits.

The Flames have already dealt defenseman Rasmus Andersson, and Kadri and others could be next up. The team has lost four straight and has the 3rd worst record in the NHL.