Canadiens Urged to Pursue $49M Veteran Forward for Playoff Push

NHL insider suggests Montreal should target Flames' Nazem Kadri to bolster center depth and playoff experience.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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With the NHL on pause for the Olympics, hockey insider Chris Johnston believes the Montreal Canadiens should pursue a trade for Calgary Flames veteran forward Nazem Kadri. Despite Kadri's contract and recent dip in production, Johnston argues the 32-year-old center would provide much-needed playoff experience and leadership to Montreal's young roster as they aim to return to the postseason.

Why it matters

The Canadiens have struggled this season and are looking to add veteran talent to complement their youthful core. Acquiring Kadri, who has over 100 games of NHL playoff experience, could be a key move to help the team return to the playoffs after missing out last year.

The details

Kadri is in the fourth year of a seven-year, $49 million contract with the Flames. While his numbers have dipped this season, the 32-year-old center is still seen as a valuable two-way forward who could provide a boost to Montreal's center depth. The Canadiens have been linked to pursuing veteran centers like Sidney Crosby, but Johnston believes Kadri may be the best option available given the Penguins' strong season.

  • The NHL is currently on pause for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.

The players

Nazem Kadri

A 32-year-old veteran center currently playing for the Calgary Flames, who is in the fourth year of a seven-year, $49 million contract.

Chris Johnston

An NHL insider who has suggested the Montreal Canadiens should pursue a trade for Nazem Kadri to bolster their center depth and playoff experience.

Sidney Crosby

A star center for the Pittsburgh Penguins, who the Canadiens were previously linked to but are now seen as an unlikely target given the Penguins' strong season.

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What they’re saying

“Even though he is a veteran who still has some term left on his contract and has not been at the top of his game, the mere fact that the forward might be open to moving to Montreal should incentivize discussions in that direction.”

— Chris Johnston, NHL Insider (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Canadiens will need to determine if Kadri's contract and recent production make him a worthwhile trade target, and if the Flames are willing to move the veteran center.

The takeaway

The Canadiens are looking to add veteran talent to complement their young core, and acquiring a player like Nazem Kadri, who has extensive playoff experience, could be a key move to help the team return to the postseason after missing out last year.