Nazem Kadri may be about to celebrate a big milestone Wednesday night when he plays in his 1,000th career NHL game, but the future of the veteran center in Calgary remains uncertain. According to Nick KypreosFlames general manager Craig Conroy has said he is “open for business” even if a trade involving Kadri is not imminent.
Speaking to the media ahead of his 1,000th match, Kadri said: “…just to be able to share it with everyone means a lot to me. I’ve been able to think about it the last few days and I still haven’t fully sunk in, but I’m sure with the ceremony and everything tomorrow I will at some point.” When asked how he’s going to celebrate, he added: “Try to get W. That would be a great start, so obviously you know you’ve got to keep that momentum going, and adding another win in the win column will be huge. That would be a great way to celebrate, and sometimes to celebrate afterwards.”
As for where it ranks on his list of accomplishments, “It’s right at the top,” he said.
“I’ve been part of a number of ceremonies throughout my career and you know, especially because as a young player I didn’t really understand the significance of it, until you become a veteran you have some experience and you understand how hard it is to be physically and mentally ready for so many games. It’s an incredible achievement. I just have so much gratitude and gratitude at this point that, you know, I’ve been able to be in this position to do what I love to do and continue to do that.”
The question likely to arise after Wednesday’s game is: Where will he play after 1000 comes and goes?
Kadri may not play much in Calgary after 1000
While Conroy would never dare move Kadri before his milestone night, league sources suggest the door could reopen closer to the trade deadline if the right offer comes along. Kadri, 35, has a 13-team no-trade list, complicating potential destinations.
Nick Kypreos writes in his column on Tuesday: “Kadri has been linked to several teams, but we must specifically mention the Carolina Hurricanes, who have been in a relentless search for a top player since falling short to Mikko Rantanen and Mitch Marner last season. For now, the Hurricanes seem an unlikely destination for Kadri, as they are on his 13-team no-trade list.”
He also mentioned the Vancouver Canucks and Montreal Canadiens, both of whom are actively exploring options to bolster their top-six center depth. Neither team is on Kadri’s no-trade list.
With a limited market for top-two centers and Kadri off to a productive start, Calgary’s veteran center could quietly become one of the more intriguing names to keep an eye on as the season approaches the trade deadline.
Next: “Float of trades” comes as D-Man returns for Oilers
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