Finding a new dynamic duo for Auston Matthews was never going to be an easy job for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Such talents don’t just become available overnight in the NHL. Even if they did, the battle with other teams to acquire them has to be taken into account, too. That’s precisely what’s happening for the Leafs in their pursuit for Calgary Flames star Nazem Kadri. As reports suggest, Nathan MacKinnon’s Colorado Avalanche are after the same prize.
The Maple Leafs have a strong argument to convince Kadri of asking for a trade out of Calgary. However, and unfortunately for the Buds, the Avalanche can present an equally compelling argument. Moreover, the veteran forward’s memories in Mile High City are fonder than the ones in Hogtown.
That alone won’t make Matthews and company stand down from a bidding battle with MacKinnon and the Avs. Still, convincing the Flames of dealing the 34-year-old seems to be a steep climb on its own. Regardless, that isn’t stopping the Leafs from daydreaming about the Ontarian’s return to Toronto. Yet, the Buds aren’t alone in their ideal scenario.
“The Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens are not the only two teams interested in Nazem Kadri,” The Hockey Writers’ Jim Parsons stated. “The forward is also drawing interest from the New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes, and Colorado Avalanche.”
Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche speaks with the media during the 2022 NHL Stanley Cup Final Media Day at Ball Arena on June 14, 2022 in Denver, Colorado.
Must be impressed
While Kadri is one of the hottest names amid a relatively quiet NHL offseason, the Flames aren’t exactly thrilled to watch him leave. Unless an unsurpassable offer hits the table in Calgary, it seems the organization won’t simply deal him away for the sake of it.
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“Calgary it’s another club that’s still looking for a second-line centerman. Now, for them to move out Kadri doesn’t make a whole lot of sense unless it’s a hockey trade,” insider David Pagnotta hinted. “I think there’s an openness to explore it, but I don’t think there’s any sense of urgency. I think Calgary is perfectly comfortable and planning to start the season with Kadri.”
Could a veteran be off to a new beginning?
At the moment, the Maple Leafs’ offseason is marked by more questions than answers. On another front, Toronto still awaits Max Pacioretty’s decision regarding his NHL future. The injury-riddled veteran has yet to make his plans public—or, at least, known to the Leafs’ front office.
Nazem Kadri #91 of the Calgary Flames looks on during the first period against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on February 02, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.
As an UFA, Pacioretty could be on his way out of The Six, or out of the league altogether. If the 36-year-old is eyeing a new destination, the Detroit Red Wings could make a lot of sense.
“Pacioretty makes his off-season home in Michigan and played his college hockey with the [Michigan] Wolverines,” as reported by The Hockey News’ Michael Augello. “His family remained there while he played in Toronto.
SurveyIf the Flames do want to deal him, where should Kadri be traded?
If the Flames do want to deal him, where should Kadri be traded?
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“Being away from them was a big factor in his hinting towards retirement immediately after the season. It is likely that in a perfect world, he would want to sign with the Wings, who are desperate to snap a long playoff drought. But there are no strong indicators that GM Steve Yzerman has interest.“
