The Calgary Flames are struggling through a disastrous start to the season, and trade rumors are swirling around veteran center Nazem Kadri. But the 35-year-old isn’t letting the speculation distract him from trying to turn things around.
“I’ve had to approach a lot more difficult situations than something like this,” Kadri told Sportsnet’s Eric Francis. “So for me, it’s really nothing that draws my attention. Obviously, there’s going to be some questions about it. I’m okay to answer them, but at the end of the day I’m focused on winning hockey games.”
Calgary snapped an eight-game losing streak Sunday but still sits dead last in the Western Conference at 2-7-1.
If the Flames decide to sell assets, Kadri would be among their most valuable trade chips. He’s leading the team in scoring with seven points through 10 games.
Kadri has three years left on his contract with a $7-million cap hit. His contract protection changed this season from a full no-movement clause to a 13-team no-trade list, which has added fuel to the recent speculation.
This isn’t Kadri’s first time in the trade spotlight.
The veteran center was dealt from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Colorado Avalanche in 2019. That experience is helping him stay focused on his performance rather than the rumors.
“I don’t think there’s anything, from a media PR standpoint, that I haven’t seen,” Kadri said.
Kadri is closing in on his 1,000th NHL game. He’s recorded 717 points over 17 seasons and captured a Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2022.
The Flames are facing serious questions about their direction this season. With Kadri leading their offense, any potential trade would signal a full rebuild for the organization.
