Marc Dumont
It’s been a rather quiet NHL Trade Deadline for the Montreal Canadiens, however, a recent report suggests there may be an uptick in activity in the near future.
David Pagnotta reported that the Canadiens and the Calgary Flames are discussing a potential trade that would include centre Nazem Kadri. He also suggested Habs forward Patrik Laine may be part of the deal.
Pagnotta says Calgary and Montreal are talking about a Nazem Kadri trade.
— NHL Trade Alert (@NHLTradeAlert) March 6, 2026
"I'm told it might include Patrik Laine."
#Flames #GoHabsGo #NHL
Montreal Canadiens Brass Tacks
While the Habs are under no pressure to make a trade prior to the deadline, there’s no doubt they could stand to improve their situation down the middle of the ice.
Montreal has kicked the tires of several centres, including St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas, as well as New York Rangers forward Vincent Trocheck.
From all accounts, it seems that the cost of acquisition for a player such as Thomas or Trocheck may unreasonably expensive, even if they would be great fits within the Canadiens lineup.
As for Kadri, the Habs have circled around the 35-year-old all season long, with reports from November suggesting Kent Hughes and Company had identified him as a potential trade target.
The main sticking point when discussing acquiring a player such as Nazem Kadri is his age, which certainly does not fit Montreal’s ideal age group. That being said, the Habs are the youngest team in the league, and adding a little experience to the mix is rarely a bad idea.
On the other side of the trade discussion is Patrik Laine, a player with one of the best shots in the league. His 5v5 numbers are incredibly rough, but it must be said there’s still some value to be found in his usage, particularly on the powerplay.
And finally, it should also be noted that the Flames have shown interest in Canadiens defenceman Arber Xhekaj, a player who could be included in a potential trade to grease the wheels a little.
