Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri has been rumored to be involved in trade discussions, with one proposal suggesting a return to his original team, the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Kadri has three years remaining on the seven-year, $49 million contract he signed with Calgary on August 18, 2022. Although he has significant time left on his deal, Calgary’s rebuild phase might see Kadri traded to gather assets that could accelerate the process.

PuckPedia’s new tool, PuckGM, allows users to create their own trade scenarios. One user suggested a trade where Kadri returns to the Maple Leafs.

 Maple Leafs receive:
– Nazem Kadri (with $3.5 million retained)
– 2025 fifth-round pick
– 2026 sixth-round pick

 Flames receive:
– David Kampf
– Nick Robertson
– Ryan Reaves
– 2025 second-round pick

This proposed trade involves three players and three draft picks. Kadri would add depth to the Maple Leafs’ forward group and brings a playoff-ready style, evidenced by his crucial role in the Colorado Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup victory.

Calgary would acquire Kampf and Reaves, both with two years left on their contracts, making the salary work for Toronto to absorb Kadri’s deal. The key pieces for the Flames are Nick Robertson and the second-round pick. Robertson, a 22-year-old restricted free agent, has requested a trade due to limited opportunities with the Maple Leafs.

Kadri’s No-Movement Clause
Kadri holds a no-movement clause, requiring his approval for any trade. NHL insider Darren Dreger reported on June 28 that Kadri enjoys Calgary and is seen as a crucial part of the Flames’ core.

However, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period suggested that Kadri might waive his no-movement clause for the right situation, including a potential return to Colorado.

Last season, Kadri tallied 29 goals and 46 assists, totaling 75 points in 82 games.

 Kadri’s Tenure with the Maple Leafs
Drafted seventh overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2009 NHL draft, Kadri debuted on February 8, 2010, and played intermittently between the NHL and AHL for three seasons. He became a full-time NHL player in the 2013-14 season, playing parts of 10 seasons with Toronto. Due to costly penalties and suspensions in the playoffs, Kadri was traded to Colorado on July 1, 2019.

During his time with the Maple Leafs, Kadri recorded 161 goals and 196 assists for 357 points in 561 regular-season games and added 3 goals and 7 assists in 19 playoff games.