Report: Flames Open to Nazem Kadri Trade Amid Rebuild

The Calgary Flames are actively exploring trade options for center Nazem Kadri as part of their retooling efforts, according to a new report from The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta published on September 3.

Flames general manager Craig Conroy has been entertaining inquiries on several key players, including Kadri and defensemen Rasmus Andersson and MacKenzie Weegar.

This new report follows the one shared on NHL Network by the same Pagnotta on August 27 , thus confirming the late-August rumors about the Flames' intentions to enter full-rebuild mode next season.

"Pagnotta first reported in late-June prior to the NHL draft that Kadri was available and the Flames were looking to move him," the report reads. "He has five years remaining on his contract, which comes with a $7 million cap hit, and owns a no-movement clause this season and next."

Pagnotta's sources suggest that Kadri may be willing to waive this clause for the right trade and situation, especially if it brings him closer to the East Coast.

Pagnotta, however, noted while appearing on NHL Network that a trade to a team on the East doesn't necessarily mean he will be sent back to Toronto, where he started his career with the Maple Leafs.

"You have Nazem Kadri, who they are willing to trade," Pagnotta said. "Kadri has a no-movement clause, (but) my understanding is he would be willing to go 'a little bit more East,' not necessarily back home to Toronto, but somewhere in that vicinity."

The Flames signed Kadri in 2022 after winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche, and in his first season with the Flames, he led the team in scoring with 75 points.

While Kadri remains a top trade chip, sources also confirm that Conroy is listening to offers for defensemen like Andersson and Weegar, though moving them would require significant returns.

Andersson is 27 and a right-shot defenseman with two years left on his deal at a $4.55 million cap hit. Weegar is 30 already but he's considered the Flames No. 1 defenseman while carrying a cap hit of $6.25 million having seven years left on his deal.

Related: Report: Flames & Nazem Kadri Have Mutual Interest in Trade to East Team