Vancouver Canucks May Have Tough Time Trying to Acquire Top Center Target This Season
Photo credit: Sergei Belski - Imagn Images
The Vancouver Canucks & GM Patrik Allvin may reportedly have a very tough time trying to acquire a top center target via the trade market this season.
It's no secret that the Vancouver Canucks' pursuit of a second line centerman is continuing well into the 2025-26 season after the organization wasn't able to bring one in during the summer, much to the dismay of the fan base.
Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin has been active though, as has been reported on countless occasions throughout the last couple of months, with Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames mentioned as a potential target for the club.
"Kadri has been linked to multiple teams, but we have to specifically mention the Carolina Hurricanes"; "for now, the Hurricanes seem an unlikely destination"; "Vancouver and Montreal are also interested in landing a top-two centre" Nick Kypreos said last week.
Vancouver Canucks may have tough time trying to land Calgary Flames' Nazem Kadri
Given how Calgary's season has gone so far, it's understandable as to why Nazem Kadri's name has been mentioned in trade rumors recently and will continue to until the league's deadline on Friday, March 6th.
However, despite teams around the league being interested in the London, Ontario native, it doesn't appear that it'll be easy to try and acquire him before the trade deadline.
During Thursday's edition of Insider Trading, TSN's Darren Dreger reported that Calgary Flames ownership is not interested in dealing Nazem Kadri at this time and like what he brings to the team despite their difficult start to the 2025-26 campaign.
"It doesn't seem very likely at this point, but obviously things can change. It's really an issue of supply and demand. We know that there are multiple NHL clubs out there that covet a No. 2 centre and the experience of Nazem Kadri. But what a night for Kadri, for his family and the Calgary Flames in celebrating his 1,000th NHL game on Wednesday night. But what I'm hearing, what I'm told is that Calgary ownership is telling people they are not interested in trading Nazem Kadri. Now again, a lot can change. We're a long way away from the NHL trade deadline, but at least in the moment, on the heels of this celebration, that's the position of ownership. We also know that Kadri loves Calgary, and he wants to win there." Dreger said.
Kadri, 35, has put up 11 points in 16 games so far this year and is under contract for three more seasons following the 2025-26 campaign, earning $7 million annually, something that'll be tough for some teams to add to their respective cap situations.
We'll have to wait and see if Calgary's ownership group softens their stance on a Nazem Kadri trade in the coming weeks and months, but there's no question that given the demand for a top-six centerman in the league right now, the Flames would receive a haul that'll help their chances of winning down the road.
Source: TSN/Darren Dreger
Insider Trading: Flames owner supporter of keeping Kadri
Insider Trading: Flames owner supporter of keeping Kadri
Previously on Canucks Daily
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