Would Nazem Kadri be a good fit with the Jets? Could the Flames dangle Rasmus Andersson ahead of the March trade deadline? What’s the latest on Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.
THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS: Ken Wiebe believes Nazem Kadri is just what the Jets need to fill their second-line center position.
Kadri, 33, is in the third season of his seven-year contract with the Calgary Flames. He carries an average annual value of $7 million plus a full no-movement clause until 2026-27 when it becomes a 13-team no-trade list.
Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).
Wiebe acknowledged Kadri’s hefty contract and no-move protection. Nevertheless, he speculates the veteran center could prefer a change of address depending on how the rebuilding Flames perform this season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri has stated he enjoys living in Calgary and doesn’t want a trade. He might change his mind if the Flames are looking at several years of rebuilding. For now, it’s safe to assume he’s not going anywhere
If Kadri becomes receptive to a trade, the Jets wouldn’t be the only club pursuing him. That’s assuming they’d be interested in the first place.
Kadri’s age and contract will be significant concerns if he becomes available in this season’s trade market. Interested clubs could ask the Flames to retain part of his $7 million AAV. His NMC gives him full control over which teams he would consider acceptable trade destinations. The Jets might not be among them.
THE ATHLETIC: In a recent mailbag segment, a reader asked Julian McKenzie what value Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson would have at the March trade deadline.
The reader believes Andersson could have some significant value as a “top-4, arguably low-end top pair, right-spot defense on a good contract.”
Andersson, 27, is signed through 2025-26 with an AAV of $4.55 million.
McKenzie believes Andersson could be someone the Flames dangle but only if the price is right. His play this season will dictate his value in the trade market. However, the Flames don’t have to move Andersson this season unless they get an irresistible offer.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Flames were big-time sellers last season as they began to rebuild their roster. Andersson’s name surfaced several times as a trade candidate leading up to the March deadline.
Andersson doesn’t have to be moved this season but teams could be interested in landing him because he has another season left on his contract. A solid performance on his part this season combined with that extra year on his deal could make him an enticing trade target for playoff clubs seeking a right-shot blueliner.
One sticking point is Andersson’s modified no-trade clause kicked in on July 1. He has a six-team no-trade list.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: David Dwork dismissed the recently suggested trade ideas about Aaron Ekblad that have surfaced in the media.
The 28-year-old Florida Panthers defenseman is in the final season of his eight-year contract with an AAV of $7.5 million. His no-movement clause changed on July 1 to a 12-team no-trade list.
Dwork acknowledged Ekblad could price himself out of the Panthers’ market on his next contract. They could consider moving him before his UFA eligibility next July. He also mentioned the possibility of Ekblad accepting a pay cut to remain with the Panthers.
Some of those trade ideas have Ekblad going to teams like the Detroit Red Wing and Toronto Maple Leafs. However, Dwork noted those proposed deals don’t take into account how Panthers GM Bill Zito has built his club.
Any players coming to Florida must understand and fit into the systems employed by Panthers coach Paul Maurice. They must be hardworking character guys who would be welcomed into their tight-knit dressing room.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Some pundits claimed the Panthers were shopping Ekblad since early June. There’s no indication they’re close to a deal. Of course, we wouldn’t know about it until the trade went down.
I believe the Panthers intend to hang onto Ekblad this season. Trading him would leave them thin in experienced right-shot defensemen capable of playing top-four minutes. He will be crucial to their defense of the Stanley Cup this season.