In the unpredictable world of NHL trades, some stories are so ironic and unexpected that they demand a closer look.

As rumors swirl around the Montreal Canadiens and Calgary Flames, whispers of another jaw-dropping deal have begun to surface—one that could send a veteran center to Montreal under circumstances that are almost too incredible to believe.

This isn’t just another transaction; it’s a potential twist that could redefine the relationship between two franchises and leave fans stunned by the sheer audacity of what might unfold.

The connection between the Canadiens and the Flames has already produced unforgettable moments, and now, the possibility of history repeating itself adds another layer of drama to an already compelling saga.

But what makes this scenario truly fascinating isn’t just the players involved, or the contracts at stake—it’s the hidden motivations, the strategic gambles, and the irony that could see Montreal benefit from Calgary’s decisions in ways no one could have predicted.

As speculation mounts and insiders tease the details, one question looms large: could the Canadiens once again pull off a masterstroke that leaves their rivals reeling?

The answers—and the full story behind this remarkable situation—are far more intriguing than you might imagine.

Photo of Canadiens and Flames logos

Photo credit: HabsFanatics/ NHL

A trade between the Montreal Canadiens and the Calgary Flames, involving center Nazem Kadri, would be very ironic for Kent Hughes.

Here’s why.

First of all, let’s obviously recall the incredible trade made between the Canadiens and the Flames involving Sean Monahan.

At the time, Kent Hughes acquired Sean Monahan and a 2025 first-round pick for free, in exchange for future considerations.

But why did the Flames give up a first-round pick to the Montreal Canadiens just to get rid of Sean Monahan for free?

Well, it was because they absolutely wanted to sign Nazem Kadri as a free agent, and they didn’t have the cap space to do it.

So they immediately gave Monahan to Montreal to free up salary and sign Kadri.

Nazem Kadri available for free today from the Calgary Flames?

As recently mentioned on BPM Sports, the Flames might be doing the same thing again-this time with Kadri.

Everything indicates that the price to pay for Kadri today would be very minimal.

It’s incredible how much things can change in just a few years.

“The Flames want to get rid of Kadri’s contract right now, and the Canadiens would benefit from putting Kadri on the second line.

And if the Flames want us to absorb the full contract of Kadri, the full 7 million, it’s not going to cost anything.”

Imagine the scenario!

Imagine if, after being paid to acquire Sean Monahan for free in 2022, the Montreal Canadiens were to now acquire his replacement in Calgary, Nazem Kadri, for free!

And this isn’t coming out of nowhere, because Kadri’s name is genuinely linked to the Montreal Canadiens.

In fact, he would only accept a trade to the Canadiens or the Toronto Maple Leafs.

That would be quite the “trade tree” for Calgary.

1- They trade a first-round pick to Montreal so the Habs will take on Sean Monahan’s contract, in order to replace him with Nazem Kadri.

2- Then they trade Nazem Kadri (for free or almost) to Montreal.

That would be incredible for Kent Hughes, but let’s wait and see what happens with this case.