Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri confirmed he has engaged in discussions with general manager Craig Conroy regarding a potential trade, as the team navigates a challenging season and considers reshaping its roster.
Kadri, who leads the Flames with 39 points (10 goals, 29 assists) in 56 games as of Thursday, stated that the conversations with Conroy have been open and direct. “We’ve had internal chats,” Kadri said. “Obviously those we’ll keep private, but, yeah, we’ve had discussions and communicated. I believe that’s what makes it great, is having that open line of conversation and just being able to understand where everybody’s at.”
The 35-year-old center possesses a 13-team no-trade list, according to a report from Sportsnet. He has three seasons remaining on a seven-year, $49 million contract, carrying an average annual value of $7 million, signed on August 18, 2022.
Forward Blake Coleman also acknowledged having conversations with Conroy about his future with the team. “That’s the solid thing about ‘Conny,’ he’s lived it,” Coleman said. “He’s been in my shoes and guys in the room’s shoes. There’s a lot of mutual respect and understanding the situation on both sides. I don’t think it’s a lack of appreciation for anyone here, I think it’s just the situation we’re in.” Coleman recently returned to practice on February 18 without a noncontact jersey for the first time since sustaining an upper-body injury on January 8.
Coleman has recorded 21 points (13 goals, eight assists) in 44 games this season and is second on the Flames in goals, trailing only Matt Coronato (14). His contract runs through next season with a $4.9 million cap hit.
The Flames have been active in the trade market, recently dealing defenseman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights. Calgary’s general manager, Craig Conroy, has indicated a willingness to consider offers for multiple players as the team pivots toward a rebuild, according to TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun. Conroy has emphasized the importance of acquiring younger players and draft picks.
Both Kadri and Coleman bring valuable playoff experience to potential suitors. Kadri won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, while Coleman was a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s championship teams in 2020 and 2021.
As of Thursday, the Flames (23-27-6) are 11 points behind the Seattle Kraken for the second wild card spot in the Western Conference. They are scheduled to play the San Jose Sharks on Thursday evening.
