The Calgary Flames are positioned as major sellers ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline next Friday, with veteran forward Nazem Kadri likely to be included among the players moved as Calgary plans its rebuild for the 2025-26 season. Kadri has expressed willingness to join a contender, which aligns with reports suggesting that a reunion with his former team, the Colorado Avalanche, could unfold.
The Avalanche are actively seeking to bolster their forward lineup before the deadline, and insiders like TSN’s Darren Dreger and The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun have highlighted Kadri as a potential fit. Colorado’s recent salary cap adjustments have opened the door for such a move.
Potential Avalanche Reunion Gains Momentum
According to LeBrun, Kadri’s playoff experience and competitive edge remain significant assets for any team eyeing success this season. A return to Colorado, where he captured a Stanley Cup in 2022, presents a logical scenario given the Avalanche’s roster needs.
“[Kadri] is a playoff warrior who would upgrade any contender. A reunion in Colorado would make some sense after the Avalanche cleared up cap space this week,”
Pierre LeBrun, NHL Insider, wrote recently.
LeBrun also noted other players with Avalanche ties, including Charlie Coyle and Ryan O’Reilly, but acknowledged that both the Columbus Blue Jackets and Nashville Predators are less likely to trade these key contributors amid their playoff races. This could influence Calgary’s timing on Kadri’s trade decision.
“As mentioned, though, a reunion with O’Reilly could make sense for the Avs, too. I like Charlie Coyle for Colorado as well, but he may not be available,”
LeBrun added.
“It probably makes sense for Calgary to see what happens with O’Reilly in Nashville before getting a better sense of the market return for a comparable No. 2 center,”
he continued.
“O’Reilly’s contract (one more year at $4.5 million) is more appealing, so the domino would make sense with O’Reilly going first to set the price.”
Kadri’s Role in Colorado’s Recent Championship Run
While Kadri no longer matches the peak form he displayed during the 2022 playoffs, when he tallied 15 points in 16 games to help the Avalanche secure their championship, he remains a valuable veteran presence. Now 35 years old and under contract for another three seasons with a $7 million cap hit, his long-term deal is a consideration for potential acquiring teams.
Shortly after winning the Stanley Cup with Colorado, Kadri signed his current contract, making him a seasoned yet costly option. This long-term financial commitment might be a sticking point for some contenders, as LeBrun points out.
“The 35-year-old has three more years on his deal after this season at a $7 million cap hit. That might give some teams some hesitation. Some Cup contenders wish that the contract were at least one year shorter. I know of at least one team that would want the Flames to retain some salary on that deal, which I’m not sure would be a sell in Calgary.”
A Switch to a Contending Team as Kadri Pursues Another Title
The anticipation surrounding Kadri’s destination intensifies as he continues to deliver strong performances, including a recent two-goal effort in Calgary’s 4-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks. With 41 points in 57 games this season, he remains a high-impact player capable of enhancing a playoff contender’s lineup.
As the Trade Deadline approaches, much attention will focus on whether Kadri returns to Denver to chase a second Stanley Cup or moves elsewhere among competing clubs. The Flames’ decisions on potential deals involving O’Reilly and other centers will likely influence Kadri’s next chapter in the NHL.
