Nazem Kadri on the move again for high selling price?!?

The Calgary Flames came close and almost grabbed the last Western Conference wild-card spot at the end of the regular season. Close but no cigar. And so changes will be coming to the roster with one tough decision to make on veteran forward Nazem Kadri.

Adam Proteau of the Hockey News is right. This is the ideal time to move the star center thanks to the current market. And Kadri could be moved by Flames general manager Craig Conroy for a high selling price because of the scarce market in order to keep reshaping the roster for long-term success in Calgary.

"The top prize in that regard is Florida Panthers UFA veteran Sam Bennett, but only one team is going to wind up with him. Another center option just got removed from the UFA market when Kadri’s former team, the Colorado Avalanche , signed veteran pivot Brock Nelson to a three-year contract extension with an average annual value of $7.5 million . That means there could be many teams looking for a consolation prize. That’s where Kadri comes in,” writes Proteau.

“The market for a center like Kadri – with his championship pedigree and snarl –will be extremely limited this summer.”

Kadri remains a top-six center with Stanley Cup pedigree, a reputation for toughness, and a contract that will look like a bargain once the salary cap climbs to $95.5M next season. Teams in need of grit and experience—like the New York Rangers, Islanders, Buffalo Sabres, or even his former club, the Toronto Maple Leafs, could line up quickly and give Calgary a call.

Toronto, in particular, would be an emotional fit. Kadri never wanted to leave, and he’s already said he wouldn’t shut the door on a return with the Maple Leafs. GM Brad Treliving has made no secret of wanting to give the Leafs more bite and Kadri could be the ideal answer to all of that.

For Calgary, moving Kadri could clear $7M in cap space and open the door to bigger swings, whether it’s going after for someone like Trevor Zegras in a monster move or positioning themselves for a deeper UFA class in 2026.

The Flames aren’t contending now, with or without Kadri. And while his leadership has value, there’s a real risk in waiting too long. His trade stock is high at the moment. If the right team is willing to offer young talent or high picks, Calgary should at least listen to the offers coming in.

It’s a seller’s market and Kadri’s the kind of player teams want when they’re gearing up for the postseason.

Let’s keep an eye on this one.