The Montreal Canadiens’ interest in Nazem Kadri earlier this season was genuine, but recent roster moves have changed the team’s plans.
According to Marco D’Amico, the Canadiens reached out to the Calgary Flames to check Kadri’s availability during the fall.
At the time, Montreal wanted to add strength and experience in the middle, and Kadri met that need.
He also didn’t include the Canadiens in his trade ban. However, the situation has changed considerably since then. The emergence of Oliver Kapanen has helped stabilize the Canadiens’ center depth.
The young forward has developed into a reliable top six option, reducing the urgency to add an experienced pivot.
Another major factor was Montreal’s decision to re-sign Phillip Danault in December. In bringing Danault back from Los Angeles for a second-round pick, general manager Kent Hughes addressed the center’s defensive needs without committing to a long-term contract.
With Kapanen serving as producer, Danault anchoring the middle and Michael Hage making rapid progress, the Canadiens are no longer eager to commit to Kadri’s $7 million salary.
“Sources confirm the Canadiens checked in with Nazem Kadri earlier this season and he does not have the Habs on his NTC. But recent developments have likely cooled the situation in Montreal.”
initial interest in Kadri, but teams like DET, CAR and MIN keep circling,” D’Amico tweeted.
Montreal’s focus has now shifted to the wing, where management is looking for a scoring forward to complement Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.
Kadri is still in high demand, with teams like Minnesota and Carolina considered stronger as the Canadiens prioritize flexibility.
