NHL Rumor Update: Canadiens & Flames Have Resumed Talks on Nazem Kadri

All season long, the Montreal Canadiens had been linked on and off to the Calgary Flames in their interest on veteran center Nazem Kadri. But it seemed recently that those talks had broken off. Now, according to insider David Pagnotta, they've circled back.

Speaking on Daily Faceoff's Trade Deadline Special on Friday, Pagnotta said the two sides are trying to make it happen:

We know that there was some discussion with Colorado earlier this week, but it didn't get over the finish line. But it seems like the Montreal Canadiens have been shifting their focus to Nazem Kadri. Canadiens & Flames going back and forth on their discussions on Kadri, and I'm told it might include Patrik Laine.

The Habs have no cap space at the moment, so unloading Laine's expiring $8.7 million contract would certainly be needed to fit Kadri's $7 million under their cap.

Pagnotta adds that rugged d-man Arber Xhekaj is somebody that the Flames have interest in, while the Habs also are intrigued with Calgary's defensive defenseman Zach Whitecloud.

The Canadiens have been looking to add a second-line center all season, and a player with some snarl and some playoff experience, as Jeff Marek notes. Certainly, Kadri fits that mold to a T.

Kadri was one of the main cogs in the Colorado Avalanche's Stanley Cup in 2022.

The 35-year-old is looking to move to a contender. He still has another three years to run on his deal.