Is Flames’ Nazem Kadri a good fit for the Canadiens?

The Montreal Canadiens are in dire need of some additional forward depth. Amidst a slump of six losses in their last seven games, the Habs are dealing with significant injuries, particularly down the middle with Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook out long term. If Montreal wants to turn things around, perhaps acquiring an upgrade at center may be the solution.

And the Calgary Flames may have just what the Canadiens are looking for. Already nine points out of a playoff spot, the Flames may be in a position to sell sooner rather than later, and Nazem Kadri, even with three years left after this season on his current deal with a $7 million cap hit, may be a top commodity. He’s still an excellent top-six center, and he also grew up a Habs fan. It feels like a match made in heaven.

David Pagnotta joined Daily Faceoff Live for the Insider Notebook, where he talked about how well Kadri would work in Montreal, as well as how close the Habs and Flames are on a potential deal.

David Pagnotta: [Kadri has] a few more years after this one, a good cap hit [for his capabilities], and the Canadiens have space to accommodate a big addition. I believe they’re not on his no-trade list. I think he would be open to going there. The Canadiens, as we all know, have interest. I don’t think they’re there by any stretch yet in terms of the conversation.

Calgary’s a little bit hesitant. They’re still trying to figure out what they want to do. There’s an internal battle as to whether or not now is the time to get going versus waiting till later in the season or waiting until the offseason.

But you look at the Canadiens and where they’re positioned right now, a 2C of Kadri’s caliber is very, very valuable to that club. He brings a ring. He brings that force that he has and the energy that he has game after game. The Canadiens can utilize a piece like that within their top six in there, especially within their second line. Gallagher still brings a lot of energy, and Anderson can throw the body around a little bit, but what Kadri brings, plus his offensive capabilities, at the dot, are certainly very valuable.

The Flames know the Habs have interest, but [Calgary] is still in a position where they’re going to wait and see. And from the Habs’ side, they’re looking around the market, seeing what other options are available to them, but they’ve made it known to the Flames “Look, when you’re ready, give us a call. We want to have a serious conversation.”

You can watch the full episode here…