Trade market movement around Nazem Kadri may hinge on two other high-profile centers, according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman. In his latest 32 Thoughts column, Friedman explained that the availability of Vincent Trocheck and Robert Thomas has slowed Kadri’s market. Teams continue to evaluate options before committing major assets or long-term salary.
The interested NHL teams are weighing multiple center paths at once. With Trocheck and Thomas both drawing interest, teams want to avoid missing better fits.
“One of the reasons Nazem Kadri’s market slightly slowed is the availability of Trocheck and Robert Thomas,” Friedman wrote. “Add teams, making sure they don’t miss anything with O’Reilly, and it’s a kind of stasis.”
Trocheck’s contract adds an appealing middle-ground option for contenders. He has three more seasons after this one on a deal carrying a $5.625 million cap hit with the New York Rangers.
Trocheck has been one of the Rangers’ most consistent forwards during a difficult season. Through 43 games, he has scored 12 goals and 24 assists for 36 points. Trocheck has been trusted in all situations, averaging nearly 21 minutes of ice time per game.
Meanwhile, Thomas represents the premium end of the market. The $65 million center remains under contract for five more years at an $8.125 million cap hit with the St. Louis Blues. Teams see him as a long-term core piece rather than a short-term fix. He is currently dealing with a leg injury, but his injury has not erased the team’s interest in him.
In 42 games, Thomas has recorded 11 goals and 22 assists for 33 points while maintaining a solid two-way presence. His plus-minus of minus-3 stands out on a struggling St. Louis roster. Additionally, Thomas handled top-line duties and played close to 19 minutes per night,
Friedman added that Utah has already checked in on Kadri. So, once the center market clears, momentum could shift fast.
“Utah checked in, and no doubt this will pick up,” Friedman wrote. “There’s a slight concern about term, but the Flames are flexible. Picks-and-prospects style or hockey-trade style, they will consider both options — and a lot of other stuff, but hands-off their high-ceilinged young players.”
This situation has created a temporary pause rather than a lack of interest in Kadri.
Nazem Kadri’s Contract and Offense This Season
Kadri sits between those two players and has three seasons left after this year at a $7 million cap hit with the Calgary Flames. Interested teams are not making bold moves due to concerns about Kadri’s term, but Calgary remains flexible.
On the ice, Kadri has remained a high-usage center for the Flames during a challenging 2025–26 season. Through 56 games, he has posted 10 goals and 29 assists for 39 points while averaging over 19 minutes of ice time. Kadri continues to drive play offensively, generate shots, and handle tough matchups night after night.
Kadri’s experience, playoff resume, and edge still attract contenders. However, teams want to see how Trocheck and Thomas resolve before making a move.
If Trocheck or Thomas moves first, Kadri’s value and urgency may rise fast as teams adjust plans.
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