As the NHL offseason heats up, the future of Nazem Kadri has become a hot topic among hockey insiders and fans alike.

With rumors swirling about a potential trade involving the Calgary Flames center, all eyes are on the Montreal Canadiens as the most likely destination.

Kadri’s openness to joining Montreal, combined with Calgary’s reluctance to deal with Toronto, has narrowed the field and intensified speculation.

However, recent reports suggest that a deal may not be as imminent as many had hoped. With the Flames focused on building a competitive roster for the upcoming season, and the Canadiens still searching for answers at center, the situation remains fluid and full of intrigue.

As both teams weigh their options, the hockey world is left wondering if Kadri will soon don the iconic Habs sweater or if this saga will continue to unfold throughout the summer.

Photo credit: Brett Holmes-Imagn Images

The well-known David Pagnotta has just announced an interesting development regarding a proposed trade between the Montreal Canadiens and the Flames.

First, let’s recap what we know about this situation.

1 – Nazem Kadri would be willing to be traded to two teams: the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

No, media pressure doesn’t scare him at all.

2 – The Calgary Flames reportedly refuse to complete a trade with their former general manager, Brad Treliving, who is now the current GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

If Nazem Kadri is only open to going to Montreal or Toronto, and the Maple Leafs are off the list, that essentially leaves only the Canadiens.

In short, we now have an update on this front, which is why it’s worth talking about Kadri.

David Pagnotta believes a trade involving Nazem Kadri may have to wait

Knowing that the Montreal Canadiens currently appear to be the only team in the running – for the reasons mentioned above – one has to wonder what this means for Kent Hughes.

In an interview on TSN 690 regarding Nazem Kadri and a possible trade with the Montreal Canadiens, Pagnotta cooled off the speculation.

According to him, the Flames are looking to improve for the upcoming season, not to trade good players for future assets.

So, it may be necessary to look elsewhere to fill the Canadiens’ much-discussed second-line center role.

Personally, I don’t think it’s worth overpaying to acquire a player like Kadri, but if he’s available “for cheap” due to his fairly expensive contract, then I’d be interested.

He would be a solid temporary solution while waiting for a certain Michael Hage.