Calgary Flames Reportedly Discussing Blockbuster Trade To Send Nazem Kadri to His Former Team

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Liam McCormick
November 22, 2024 (5:11 PM)

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The Calgary Flames are still surprisingly near the top of the Pacific Division, but according to recent reports, they could continue their rebuild this year by trading Nazem Kadri to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Former NHL General Manager Doug MacLean reported today that the Leafs are kicking tires with Calgary on a blockbuster deal to send Kadri back to Toronto.

»You need a player like Kadri. I know some people in Toronto think McLennan is clueless, but I'm telling you, if I'm Brad Treliving and I hear they're kicking tires-I heard today they were kicking tires there-Treliving has his hands full.«
- Doug MacLean

Kadri began his NHL career with the Leafs back in the 2009-10 season, and grew into a star player with Toronto. However, after being suspended in the playoffs multiple times, the Leafs felt forced to trade him to the Colorado Avalanche.

Since then, Kadri's NHL career only got better with a Stanley Cup win in Colorado, followed by a major free agent contract with the Flames.

Unfortunately, the Flames haven't been much of a playoff contender while Kadri has joined. The 34 year old still has 5 years left on his contract which pays him $7M in salary each season.

It would be a tough deal for the Maple Leafs to accommodate salary wise, but retention and a potential third team would make the deal possible.

Kadri would also need to be willing to waive his no move clause for his former team. Reports have surfaced in the past that he would for Colorado, and it's likely he would for the Leafs as well.

Even in the rebuilding Flames team last season, Kadri found ways to be productive offensively. His last season with 29 goals and 75 points at his age is very impressive.

In reality, the Calgary Flames would be incredibly fortunate to be able to get out of paying a 39 year old Kadri $7M in salary. If Toronto is willing to trade future assets to take on any of that contract, Calgary should be all over it.

It'd be a shocking blockbuster trade to see Kadri returning to play for the Maple Leafs, and for the short term, it may even make them a pretty complete overall team.