The NHL trade rumor mill is churning at full speed, and nowhere is the speculation hotter than in the heart of Canada, where hockey fans live and breathe every whisper about their beloved Montreal Canadiens. As the calendar turns deeper into the 2025-26 season, the chatter surrounding the team has reached a fever pitch, and one name seems to be echoing louder than the rest: Nazem Kadri.

Kadri, the enigmatic and fiercely competitive forward currently skating for the Calgary Flames, has long been a figure who divides opinions and ignites passionate debates. Whether it’s his on-ice tenacity, his knack for scoring in clutch moments, or his reputation for stirring up drama, Kadri has never been far from the spotlight. But this year, the spotlight seems to be burning even brighter, casting long shadows over both Calgary and Montreal as rumors swirl about a potential blockbuster move.

The Flames, once considered contenders, have stumbled out of the gate this season, leaving fans frustrated and management searching for answers. Kadri, now 35, remains one of the team’s most reliable centers, but as the losses pile up, questions about the franchise’s direction have grown louder. Is it time for Calgary to shake things up? Could Kadri be the key piece in a trade that changes the fortunes of two storied franchises?

Insiders and analysts have been working overtime, dissecting every report, every quote, and every cryptic social media post. The speculation has reached such heights that even the most casual hockey fan in Montreal can’t help but wonder: Is Kadri the missing ingredient for the Canadiens? Could he be the leader the Habs need to solidify their center depth and push for a return to playoff glory?

Adding fuel to the fire, respected voices in the hockey world—like Elliotte Friedman and David Pagnotta—have dropped tantalizing hints about Kadri’s future. Whispers of trade lists, secret negotiations, and potential deals have kept fans glued to their screens, refreshing feeds and scanning forums for the latest updates. The stakes are high, and the possibilities seem endless.

But as any seasoned hockey fan knows, the world of NHL trades is rarely straightforward. No-trade clauses, salary cap gymnastics, and the unpredictable nature of player preferences all play a part in shaping the outcome. For Kadri, who possesses a limited no-trade clause, the question isn’t just whether Calgary is willing to deal him—it’s which teams he’d actually consider joining. And here, the plot thickens in ways that few could have anticipated.

Montreal, with its storied history and passionate fanbase, has always been a destination that attracts attention. But are the Canadiens truly in the running for Kadri? Is there a hidden twist in the saga that could turn the entire trade landscape upside down? And what does it mean for both franchises if a deal were to materialize?

As the rumors intensify and the stakes rise, one thing is certain: the Kadri-to-Montreal story is far from over. In fact, it may only just be beginning. So, what’s really happening behind the scenes? What crucial detail has emerged that could change everything for Kadri, the Flames, and the Canadiens?

Read on as we unravel the latest developments, dig deeper into the insider reports, and reveal why this story could be the most explosive of the NHL season.

Oct 28, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri (91) skates during warm up before a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The excellent David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period has just confirmed major information involving Nazem Kadri and the Montreal Canadiens.

More and more, especially with the Calgary Flames’ difficult start to the season, Kadri’s name keeps coming up in trade rumors…

“Elliotte Friedman: Re Nazem Kadri rumours: He’s got a 13 team no trade now; I heard that teams are all over it, okay am I on that list, am I not on that list; how did I end up on that list and how do I change that? I think that’s what’s going on here.”

– 32 Thoughts

We even got an interesting trade proposal involving Nazem Kadri to Montreal in a 4-piece deal.

A confirmation regarding Nazem Kadri and the Montreal Canadiens: they are on his list of teams he would want to be traded to

Indeed, according to The Fourth Period, it’s confirmed.

The Montreal Canadiens are NOT on Kadri’s 13-team no-trade list, which is huge if Kent Hughes truly wants him as the team’s second-line center!

They are therefore on his list of teams he would accept a trade to!

“As the Canadiens look to improve on centre, I can confirm that they are not on Nazem Kadri’s 13 team no trade list.”

– David Calabretta

Excellent news!

Nazem Kadri, 35 years old, is a 6-foot, 185-pound center who was drafted 7th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2009.

He notably recorded 67 points and 75 points over the last two seasons (both in 82 games).

His best season came in 2021-22, when he posted 87 points in 71 games with the Colorado Avalanche, including 28 goals – a pace of 100 points over 82 games.

A story to watch closely here!