Nazem Kadri: Flames are prepared to retain salary

The more the weeks go by, the more we wonder whether Nazem Kadri will end up being traded. A lot has been written about the Flames' color-bearer, but nothing has actually happened.

Initially, his value seemed high and interest seemed high. But is that really the case?

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period mentioned on The Sheet podcast with Jeff Marek that some teams have reportedly been told that the Flames would be willing to withhold money from Kadri's salary if the right offer is made.

David Pagnotta: Re Nazem Kadri: There are some teams…they've been told, or at least their belief is Calgary is willing to retain…if the right deal is presented – The Sheet (1/9)

– NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumorReport) January 12, 2026

Official Statements, Trade Market, and the Olympic Break Approaching ft. @TheFourthPeriod | The Sheet with @JeffMarek https://t.co/GSzt6AvkQc

– Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) January 9, 2026

Kadri is in the fourth year of a seven-year contract that pays him $7 million per season. Still, it would be a big decision to withhold money for three more years.

That's what leads me to believe that the offers don't match the Flames' expectations right now, and that they need to consider options other than a simple trade with the full contract. Kadri has value that Calgary needs to monetize, sure, but other general managers aren't crazy.

All this could open the door to Kent Hughes, who is stuck with several heavy contracts with the Habs, Laine among them. Money would have to come out of the team's numbers all the same, but if the Flames withhold salary, it might be more realistic.

So far, Oliver Kapanen has filled the role of second center very well, but he's still young, and if the Habs want to speed up the end of the rebuild, Kadri could be a great asset to the team.

Overtime

– An encouraging joint statement.

In a joint statement, the NHL and NHLPA say they were pleased with the Olympic hockey test event. They will continue to monitor the situation and “expect that the work necessary to address all remaining issues will continue around the clock.”

Encouraging sign for the Games

– Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) January 12, 2026

The full statement from the NHL and NHLPA following this weekend's Olympic test event in Milan: pic.twitter.com/v8Ggr8rOd3

– The rumors will die down.

NJ coach Sheldon Keefe announces Dougie Hamilton returns to the lineup tonight vs Minnesota

– Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 12, 2026

– Not a big crowd of executives tonight.

Scouts in Bell Centre press box for tonight's game between the Canadiens and Vancouver Canucks #Habs pic.twitter.com/XMDLz6GYF2

– Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) January 12, 2026