NHL Analyst Connects Winnipeg Jets to a Flames Top Centerman
NHL analyst Mike Gould of 'Daily Faceoff' believes that the Winnipeg Jets would be the perfect fit for top Flames centerman Nazem Kadri, and it could be explored.
Nazem Kadri's historic night could not have been more well-timed. Kadri laced up for his 1,000th career NHL game on Wednesday, and he showed why his name has continued to pop up in trade chatter all these months, putting up a performance that reminded everyone why that is.
Kadri's stock has never been higher as the Flames struggle through the start of the season.
Kadri was once believed to be close to untouchable because of his deal, which extends until 2029 and comes with a cap hit of just above $7 million, and yet he has become one of the most consistent members of the Flames' roster.
A London, Ont., native, he is fresh from his most productive season yet, pouring in a career-best 35 goals during the previous season, and is currently tied for third on his club, with 11 points in 15 contests.
Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman had previously reported that the Flames would not trade Kadri until he reached his 1,000th career game, but that milestone is now behind them, and anything is on the table at this point.
There are 13 teams on Nazen Kadri's no-trade list, which still allows for plenty of flexibility
They sit near the bottom of the league at 4-9-2, and Kadri has a list of 13 teams that he would be unwilling to trade to, but they still have enough flexibility to make a trade happen.
Among the Canadian teams that have been keeping an eye on Kadri, as reported by Daily Faceoff's Mike Gould, are the Winnipeg Jets.
"If there's one guy in the league whose style of play is perfectly suited to playing in front of a rabid fan base, it's Kadri, which is why the Winnipeg Jets are... on this list."
- Mike Gould
- Mike Gould
Even with their outstanding record of 9-4-0, one of their longtime weaknesses, which they have been trying to address, is having enough support for Mark Scheifele down their lineup.
With Nikolaj Ehlers having moved on to Carolina and having Jonathan Toews at 37, this could be just what they need.
Also, Kadri has been reportedly pursued by other teams such as the Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche, and Vancouver Canucks, but Winnipeg's scenario may be more intriguing than any of the other teams.
However, one thing is certain: Kadri has placed himself right back at the center of NHL trade chatter through this resurgence of performances.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 6 | 316 ANSWERS NHL Analyst Connects Winnipeg Jets to a Flames Top Centerman Should the Jets and Flames swing a trade for Nazem Kadri? | ||
| Yes | 214 | 67.7 % |
| No | 102 | 32.3 % |
| List of polls | ||