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Calgary Flames forward Kadri open to being traded to contender: report

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
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Jan 9 2026, 6:13 pm
Calgary Flames forward Kadri open to being traded to contender: report
Sergei Belski/Imagn Images

The rampant trade speculation surrounding the Calgary Flames is starting to pick up as the deadline inches closer and closer.

The one thing that seems to be a near guarantee at this point is that Rasmus Andersson, a pending UFA, will be traded. After that, there are a number of question marks.

Blake Coleman’s name continues to generate interest, with a report on Thursday suggesting the Montreal Canadiens would like to add him ahead of the deadline. That said, the Flames don’t need to move the veteran winger, who has one additional season remaining on his contract.

The third and final piece that Flames fans will really want to keep an eye on is Nazem Kadri.

Kadri, 35, is having an up-and-down season for the Flames. He’s managed just eight goals through 44 games, but does lead the team in scoring with 32 points. Trade rumours surrounding the Stanley Cup winner had quieted down lately, but picked right back up yesterday following a report from TSN’s Darren Dreger.

“I would describe it as a possibility,” Dreger said regarding a Kadri trade. “My sense with Nazem Kadri is this. If an opportunity was presented to go to a top contender in the NHL, then he’d be willing to listen to that. The man is 35 years old, and he wants to win a Stanley Cup.

“The intensity around Kadri is definitely heating up.”

 

Though Kadri is a big part of the Flames’ offence, moving him ahead of the trade deadline may be the best decision for GM Craig Conroy. He’s not getting any younger and remains under contract through the 2028-29 season on a deal that carries a $7 million cap hit. If there was a team willing to take on that full salary, it may be wise for the Flames to take advantage, as there is no telling when his game could begin to decline.

Should Kadri fail to be moved ahead of the deadline, fans should expect to hear more trade speculation surrounding him in the offseason.

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