The offseason rumor mill is spinning faster than ever, and few names have generated as much intrigue among Montreal Canadiens fans as Nazem Kadri. With his impressive track record as a dynamic, reliable centerman and a history of strong offensive production, Kadri has become the focal point of intense speculation linking him to Montreal.

As the Canadiens look to bolster their roster and add veteran leadership down the middle, the possibility of Kadri joining the team has captured the imagination of both analysts and supporters alike.

Whispers of his interest in Montreal have only grown louder, especially after a photo of Kadri sporting a Canadiens jersey set social media ablaze. The image, combined with reports that Kadri would only approve a trade to either Montreal or Toronto, has fueled excitement and debate across the hockey world.

With his roots as a lifelong Canadiens fan and his proven ability to deliver on the ice, Kadri’s potential arrival could mark a turning point for the franchise. As speculation continues to mount, all eyes are on what could be one of the most intriguing storylines of the summer.

Mar 31, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (91) before the game against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Among the few centermen linked to the Montreal Canadiens this summer, the name Nazem Kadri is the most serious.

First of all, because he’s an excellent, well-rounded center who would be a great fit on a second line with Demidov and Laine – and on top of that, he just recorded 67 points with the Calgary Flames.

That said, what’s most important to know in this story is that Kadri would reportedly accept a trade to only two teams.

The two teams he would agree to be traded to are the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs!

But why is Kadri particularly targeting the Canadiens?

We may now have part of the answer.

A photo of Nazem Kadri wearing a Montreal Canadiens jersey is lighting up the web

A bit like a certain Sidney Crosby, it seems Kadri grew up as a huge Montreal Canadiens fan.

That could explain it.

One thing’s for sure: the name Nazem Kadri likely won’t stop being linked to the Montreal Canadiens- even coming from Detroit Red Wings sources.

Nazem Kadri, 34 years old, is a 6-foot, 185-pound center who was drafted 7th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2009.

He has 710 points in 985 career NHL games, including 307 goals. He recorded 67 and 75 points over the past two full seasons (82 games each).

He also produced at a 100-point pace per 82 games in 2022 with the Colorado Avalanche.