Report: Ex-Leafs Kadri Would Be Willing To Join Canadiens — A Bold Turn in Canadian Rivalries
In what could be one of the most electrifying storylines of the 2025 NHL offseason, reports suggest that Calgary Flames center and former Toronto Maple Leafs fan-favorite Nazem Kadri is open to joining the Montreal Canadiens. The news, which has sent shockwaves through hockey circles, isn’t just a potential move on paper—it’s a narrative soaked in rivalry, redemption, and legacy.
The Rivalry That Won’t Die
For most fans, the thought of a former Leaf donning the Bleu, Blanc et Rouge of Montreal is enough to send a jolt through the spine. The Maple Leafs–Canadiens rivalry, one of the most storied in NHL history, is a cultural landmark in Canadian sports. Kadri, drafted 7th overall by the Leafs in 2009, spent ten emotional seasons in Toronto, becoming a staple of the team’s forward corps before being traded in 2019 to the Colorado Avalanche.
A stint in Colorado saw him mature both on and off the ice, culminating in a Stanley Cup victory in 2022. Kadri’s evolution into a tough, two-way leader was undeniable. Now with Calgary, the 34-year-old is reportedly evaluating his future as the Flames undergo a subtle rebuild. And with Montreal looking for a veteran center with bite and leadership, the puzzle pieces are starting to fit.
Why Montreal?
It’s not just about hockey—it’s about opportunity, identity, and relevance.
According to sources close to the situation, Kadri sees the Canadiens as a young and rising team with potential that could use an experienced, physical presence down the middle. With Nick Suzuki, Kirby Dach, and Juraj Slafkovský still maturing into their full NHL identities, a grizzled veteran with playoff credentials like Kadri could add a dynamic dimension.
And don’t overlook the personal pull. Kadri, who grew up in Ontario but has strong connections to Canada’s multicultural fabric, has expressed in past interviews his appreciation for the rich heritage and legacy of Original Six teams. Montreal’s historical significance and rabid fanbase remain an alluring draw.
Flames’ Future and Kadri’s Contract
Kadri is currently under contract with the Flames through the 2028-29 season after signing a seven-year, \$49 million deal in 2022. That means a move to Montreal would likely come via trade, not free agency.
Whether Calgary is truly ready to part ways with the veteran forward is unclear, but early indications suggest GM Craig Conroy may be open to the right deal. With young centers like Connor Zary and Cole Schwindt waiting in the wings, Calgary might be incentivized to retool with future assets. Kadri, while still productive, could represent a high-value return on the market.
In 2024-25, Kadri logged 22 goals and 34 assists in 78 games—a solid output for a player in his mid-30s. More importantly, he remains a clutch performer in high-pressure moments, especially during postseason runs.
Canadiens’ Cap and Fit
The Canadiens have cap flexibility heading into 2025-26 and are in the market for precisely the kind of leadership Kadri offers. After several frustrating seasons of rebuilding, GM Kent Hughes is quietly building a roster poised for playoff contention within the next 1-2 years. A key veteran like Kadri could both accelerate development and help mentor a locker room hungry for postseason action.
From a tactical standpoint, Kadri’s gritty, forechecking style meshes well with coach Martin St. Louis’ emphasis on speed and intensity. He could slot into the second or third line, bringing balance and center depth the Habs have lacked.
Leaf Fans React—A Familiar Sting
Unsurprisingly, the idea of Kadri joining the Canadiens has sparked a frenzy among Leafs faithful. For a player who once wore the “A” in Toronto and laid his body on the line against the Bruins, seeing him in the jersey of their most hated rival is enough to create emotional whiplash.
But in the business of hockey, sentiment often gives way to opportunity. Kadri’s relationship with the Leafs ended professionally, not bitterly. Still, a return to the Eastern Conference—specifically with Montreal—would set the stage for must-watch games against his old team, with the potential for playoff fireworks if paths cross again.
Final Thoughts: A Move That Could Shake Up the East
While nothing is finalized, the possibility of Nazem Kadri joining the Canadiens is no longer just rumor—it’s gaining traction. If the Flames decide to move him and Montreal sees him as the missing veteran piece, this could be one of the more dramatic shifts of the offseason.
It’s rare for former Leafs to take their talents to Montreal, and even rarer for it to feel like a perfect fit. Kadri, with his fearless playstyle, vocal leadership, and proven championship pedigree, might just be the exact kind of wild card the Habs need to turn the corner.
And if this happens, one thing’s for sure: the Battle of Canada just got a lot more personal.
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