Is Nazem Kadri the next trade target?

Two of the biggest trading chips went off the board prior to the Olympic Break. First, the Calgary Flames traded defenseman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights. Then the New York Rangers sent Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings. With the two unrestricted free agents off the board, attention turns to Flames forward Nazem Kadri.

If Anthony Di Marco of the Daily Faceoff said when asked who was at the top of everyone’s trade bait board at TSN Radio in Montreal.

NHLRumors.com Transcripts

Host: “So we’ll get into the Artemi Panarin deal in a moment. Now that Panarin has moved to LA, who’s at the top of everyone’s trade bait board?”

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Anthony Di Marco: “Man, is it Nazem Kadri? I feel like it’s Nazem Kadri. He’s not a mercenary, he’s not like Panarin, and he’s not like (Rasmus) Andersson or anything. But I just feel like, I don’t know. There’s just something about Nazem Kadri that I feel like, with him, a dollar value of $7 million, I think he’s got some, three years into this year, what is it? Three year for $7 million. If you keep that, you might go for $3.5 million. He won a Stanley Cup. I feel like Nazem Kadri would be the right guy.”

Kadri’s name has been in the rumor mill for a few years now. However, things have improved this season considering how poorly the Flames have played. Although Kadri is not performing as well as last season in terms of numbers, a competitive team could use his services.

There was hesitation before because he wanted to stay with the Calgary Flames and help them win. However, he is more willing to take action if the Flames approach him about it. But GM Craig Conroy is still sticking to his price. Some team will have to make an offer they can’t refuse to move him at or before the trade deadline.

With names like Blake Coleman, Ryan Lomberg and perhaps even MacKenzie Weegar available, how will the Flames handle their last retention slot for the season? Flames have retained Andersson and are still holding on to Jacob Markstrom’s deal even after trading him to the New Jersey Devils. So if they move Coleman or Kadri, one will need to be retained this season and beyond.

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While Nazem Kadri is the top target, there is still work to be done before he is actually moved this season, if at all.

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