It’s no secret the Toronto Maple Leafs would welcome Nazem Kadri back to town in a heartbeat. Apparently, the Ontario native is interested in returning home, too. If only business in the NHL were that simple, though. As Auston Matthews and the Leafs have learned, it takes two to tango — and the Calgary Flames are reportedly in no mood to hit the dance floor.
The Flames have enough on their plate already. With defenseman Rasmus Andersson’s future uncertain, Calgary is placing all of its attention on the blueliner. Of course, the organization in Stampede City has taken notice of the buzz surrounding Kadri, but no formal talks have been had.
As it stands, Kadri would have to openly request a trade out of Calgary — otherwise, the Flames seem more than happy to keep him in their ranks. So far, Toronto has yet to pick up the phone and dial the 403 area code. If that doesn’t change, Matthews and company won’t be welcoming Kadri back to the lineup any time soon.
Looking grim
Much talk has surrounded the Leafs and Kadri, yet not much has transpired from the Flames’ point of view. According to reports around the NHL, that’s no coincidence. In fact, it’s only evidence that Toronto’s hopes of acquiring the 34-year-old forward might be hanging on by a thread.
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.
“The Flames aren’t interested in moving him,” insider Frank Seravalli said, per Bleacher Report Open Ice. Sources indicate Calgary really haven’t engaged in any of the conversations. It would take a heck of an offer to take Kadri out of Calgary, where he’s engrained and embedded in the culture of the team.
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“The Flames need more goals, not fewer. They need more centers, not fewer,” Seravalli added. “Despite the rumors and the innuendo, Kadri — who has a full no-trade clause — doesn’t appear to be on the move and the Flames don’t have any interest in moving him.”
Never say never
While the Flames have shown no signs of moving Kadri, a trade can’t be completely ruled out. Perhaps it’s wishful thinking for Leafs fans to stay up hoping for a deal to materialize, but their desire isn’t going away anytime soon. As Leafs Nation’s very own, Justin Bieber, said it best: never say never.
“Kadri has not asked to be traded and Calgary has not approached him, but you can’t tell me that Calgary’s not contemplating it or at least understanding the marketplace. If the price is right, Kadri could be had,” Nick Kypreos said on Sportsnet’s The FAN Pregame podcast.
Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs looks for play to resume against the Vancouver Canucks during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 8, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
All-in
Regardless, the Maple Leafs will continue to explore the trade market, hoping to find the right fit to fill the void left by Mitch Marner’s absence in the top-six. Kadri would be the perfect replacement — almost a Cinderella fit for the roster. Still, as has been made crystal clear to Toronto, perhaps its story was never meant to be one taken out of a fairy tale.
