The Toronto Maple Leafs' need for a top-six forward prompted some pundits to suggest a reunion with Nazem Kadri earlier this month.
The Hockey News’ David Alter subsequently dismissed the possibility of the Calgary Flames parting with their first-line center and leading scorer.
Alter also cited Kadri's reaction to the trade speculation earlier this week. Speaking with the London Knights' podcast, The Knight Shift, the 34-year-old center said it was “a bit bizarre” to see his name flying around the rumor mill.
Kadri also suggested the trade chatter was due to a lack of any significant sports currently taking place. Meanwhile, the Calgary Sun's Wes Gilbertson cited the Flames center saying how much he and his family enjoy living in Calgary, and pointing to “some good players” coming along with the club.
“So I appreciate the C of Red, for sure,” he said.
Gilbertson stated that Flames GM Craig Conroy likely isn't keen to trade his leading scorer as he tries to balance maintaining a competitive team while retooling the roster.
Speaking of Kadri, Montreal Hockey Now's Marc Dumont cited Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos claiming the Flames center would waive his no-movement clause for the Montreal Canadiens and the Maple Leafs.
Dumont swatted down the idea of Canadiens GM Kent Hughes trading valuable assets for a player “on the wrong side of 30.” Hughes prefers adding players in their 20s, such as Joe Veleno, who was signed to a one-year deal on Wednesday.
Turning to the Seattle Kraken, there's speculation that their leading scorer might be available.
The Hockey News’ Julian Gaudio last week cited Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period claiming the Kraken are open to trading Jared McCann. Meanwhile, TSN insider Chris Johnston indicated the 29-year-old left winger's name was floating around the NHL rumor mill.
McCann is an original member of the Kraken, having been selected during the 2021 expansion draft. He's led the club in scoring in each of their four seasons, including a career-high 40-goal performance in 2022-23.
Thus far, no reports from Seattle have confirmed McCann's availability. Gaudio cited a report from February claiming the Kraken aren't shopping their first-line left winger but were willing to entertain offers.
That was before Jason Botterill took over as GM from Ron Francis, who was promoted to president of hockey operations. Botterill could be open to moving McCann, but his recent acquisitions of veterans Ryan Lindgren, Mason Marchment and Frederick Gaudreau suggest he's trying to ensure his club remains competitive for next season.
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