September 19, 2024 | 5:03pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

KADRI FOCUSED ON SEASON, NOT TRADE CHATTER

Nazem Kadri, forward

Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri was the subject of trade speculation all off-season after it was first reported by TFP’s David Pagnotta in late-June that he was open to being moved.

Kadri, who turns 34 on Oct. 6, is in the third season of a seven-year, $49 million contract and owns a full no-movement clause as part of his deal up until the 2026-27 season.

As many have since reported, the Flames have entertained the possibility of trading Kadri, as well as defenceman Rasmus Andersson, among others.

Speaking with the media on Thursday, Kadri was asked about his future with the Flames, upon which he requested those questions be couched for the time being.

“I love the city, love the organization,” he told reporters. “I feel like it’s super early to be asking these kinds of questions. So, I’m going to ask you guys to bump the brakes a little bit, let us go play. We’re going to try to rally around each other and surprise some people.”

Kadri understands the Flames have entered a rebuilding phase and that more roster changes are likely to come, but he remains focused on the new season and hopes to raise a few eyebrows.

“I believe in our team, I believe in myself,” he said. “And I believe in everybody that’s steering the ship here.

“There’s gonna be some nights where we gotta reset, but also there’s gonna be some great nights. We’re looking forward to the grind and the challenge.”

In 82 games with the Flames last season, Kadri registered 29 goals and 46 assists for 75 points.