Nazem Kadri’s leaked no-trade list turns heads across the NHL

With a tough start to the 2025-206 season, the Calgary Flames are now reportedly open to taking calls on star centre Nazem Kadri, though he is expected to command a significant return.

Last week, insider Pierre LeBrun had commented on a potential Kadri trade on the Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro, saying:

“As long as Nazem Kadri’s happy in Calgary and he’s got a no trade that he has a lot of control; if this is a tough year…is Nazem Kadri intrigued by a couple of teams out there at the deadline?”

Kadri, who is in the fourth season of a seven-year, $49 million contract and owns a 13-team no-trade list as part of his deal, is certainly in charge here. And according to Nick Kypreos, he’s made it clear he has no interest in joining one top contender.

“Kadri has been linked to multiple teams, but we have to specifically mention the Carolina Hurricanes, who have been in a relentless pursuit for a top player since falling short on Mikko Rantanen and Mitch Marner last season,” Kypreos wrote in his column . “For now, the Hurricanes seem an unlikely destination for Kadri, as they are on his 13-team no-trade list.”

While some pundits argue that the Hurricanes might not even be in the mix for Kadri’s services, seeing that he is 35 years, other believe the Canes could use his championship experience and leadership. Plus, Kadri has aged well and would fit beautifully down the middle in a contender’s lineup.

But he holds the cards and if he has no desire to join Carolina, Flames general manager Craig Conroy won’t be allowed to put in a trade call.

The same goes for two other Canadian teams, the Montreal Canadiens and Vancouver Canucks, who are looking to upgrading their roster up the middle, but won’t be in the mix for Kadri. They are not on Kadri’s no-trade list, Kypreos mentioned.

Kadri, who won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, plays in his 1,000th NHL regular-season game tonight when the Flames host the Columbus Blue Jackets in Calgary.