NHL Trade Deadline Buzz: Nazem Kadri Open to Montreal Canadiens Move
As the NHL trade deadline rapidly approaches, speculation surrounding veteran center Nazem Kadri has reached a fever pitch, with the Montreal Canadiens emerging as a prominent potential destination. The connection appears logical on paper, as Montreal actively seeks to bolster its depth at center to support its promising young core of players.
Insider Report Reveals Kadri's Willingness to Join Canadiens
What remained uncertain until recently was whether the 34-year-old Kadri himself would entertain a move to Montreal. The player holds a modified no-trade clause covering 13 teams, granting him substantial control over his future. However, a recent report from a prominent NHL insider has clarified his stance.
The Athletic's Chris Johnston, while making trade deadline predictions with colleague James Mirtle, identified the Canadiens as Kadri's most probable landing spot. Johnston's reporting included a critical detail that should capture the attention of Montreal's management team.
"The fact he would be in favor of a move to the Habs, according to league sources, should bring a measure of comfort," Johnston wrote. "Kadri has a 13-team no-trade list, and Montreal isn't on it." This reported willingness to waive his clause for Montreal eliminates one significant potential obstacle in any trade discussion.
Significant Financial and Contractual Hurdles Remain
Despite Kadri's apparent openness, substantial challenges stand in the way of a deal. The primary issue is financial. Kadri carries a substantial $7 million salary cap hit through the 2028-29 season. This means any team acquiring him would inherit three more full seasons beyond the current one, with Kadri turning 38 in the final year of that contract.
Reports from insider Frank Seravalli indicate the Canadiens' front office is not enthusiastic about that lengthy term, preferring a contract with only one or two years remaining. This suggests Kadri might be viewed as a backup or secondary option if Montreal fails to secure other center targets.
The more immediate and pressing problem is Montreal's current salary cap situation. The Canadiens are projected to have a mere $1.49 million in available cap space at the March 6 deadline. This makes it mathematically impossible to absorb Kadri's $7 million contract without first moving significant salary out in a separate transaction.
Potential Salary Dump Candidates and Trade Landscape
To create the necessary cap room, Montreal would need to engineer a salary-dumping trade. The most obvious candidate is forward Patrik Laine and his $8.7 million cap hit. However, finding a willing trade partner for that contract presents its own set of complex challenges. Solving this financial puzzle is a prerequisite for any serious pursuit of Kadri.
The broader trade market is also shaping up. The Calgary Flames, Kadri's current team, have already traded defenseman Rasmus Andersson and appear open to moving other veterans as they slide down the Western Conference standings. With the Olympic roster freeze lifting on February 22, teams now have a tight two-week window to finalize deals before the deadline arrives.
The Value Kadri Would Bring to Montreal
Should the Canadiens navigate these hurdles, Kadri would bring a wealth of veteran experience and a championship pedigree to one of the league's youngest rosters. As a Stanley Cup winner, his knowledge of what it takes to succeed in the playoffs would be an invaluable asset for Montreal's developing core. Fans in both Montreal and Calgary are watching these developments closely as the deadline clock ticks down.
