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Another insider is reporting Kadri wants to be traded by Calgary Flames

Offside Staff
Offside Staff
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Feb 25 2026, 4:42 pm
Another insider is reporting Kadri wants to be traded by Calgary Flames
Sergei Belski/Imagn Images

Nazem Kadri’s time with the Calgary Flames is coming to an end. The question is, when?

The 35-year-old has been involved in trade speculation all season long, and even seemed to hint during a scrum on Monday that he knows his days in Calgary are numbered.

Though Kadri is still a valuable player, it makes sense for the rebuilding Flames to try to deal him in exchange for future pieces. Based on a new report from TSN’s Darren Dreger, the veteran centreman is more than open to being dealt.

“The Calgary Flames are still testing the market on Nazem Kadri, who, by the way, wants to be traded at this point.”

This report from Dreger comes just weeks after David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period also claimed Kadri was open to being moved.

The issue when it comes to trading Kadri is his contract. Not only does he command a $7 million cap hit, but he remains signed through the 2028-29 season. Given his age, it makes his deal a risky one for other teams to take on.

The Flames could, of course, retain money, though they have just one retention spot at play until July 1. They may instead opt to use that final spot on Blake Coleman, whose contract will expire after the 2026-27 season. Dreger went on to mention that Coleman and others could also be available out of Calgary.

“They’re looking at the interest in Blake Coleman, MacKenzie Weegar. There are other options, including Zach Whitecloud,” Dreger said. “Craig Conroy is going to play the patient game and make sure he has a full assessment of what the market is.”

Kadri has been a very good Flame since signing his seven-year deal ahead of the 2022-23 season. Unfortunately, the team has struggled over that same stretch and is well outside of a playoff spot this season. Moving on from Kadri would not only give him a better opportunity to win another Stanley Cup but would also benefit the organization as it looks to build toward the future.

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