Even before their hot start to the 2025-26 campaign, the Carolina Hurricanes were known to be looking for a quality second-line center. Unfortunately, one of the top names on the market may be unwilling to relocate to Raleigh.
In a recent article from Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos, the writer said, “Kadri has been linked to multiple teams, but we have to specifically mention the Carolina Hurricanes, who have been in a relentless pursuit for a top player since falling short on Mikko Rantanen and Mitch Marner last season. For now, the Hurricanes seem an unlikely destination for Kadri, as they are on his 13-team no-trade list.”
To be fair, Kypreos is one of the only prominent insiders attempting to confirm that the Hurricanes are on Kadri’s no-trade list. Typically, in trade negotiations, team names on no-trade lists are not disclosed unless shared directly by the player or their representatives.
Still, if the news is true, it would certainly put a wrench in Carolina’s plans this season. As of now, Kadri is one of the best centers known to be on the trade market, though that could change if the Pittsburgh Penguins pivot toward trading one or both of Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin.
After scoring 28 goals and 87 points in 71 games for the Colorado Avalanche during the 2021-22 season en route to the only Stanley Cup ring of his career, Kadri signed a seven-year, $49MM contract with the Calgary Flames the following summer. The 2025-26 season marks the first year of Kadri’s deal without a full no-movement clause, providing the Flames with greater flexibility in considering a trade.
He has maintained a strong scoring rate during his time in Alberta while staying remarkably healthy. Since signing the deal in 2022, although he hasn’t reached the postseason, Kadri hasn’t missed a game for Calgary. He’s scored 91 goals and 208 points in 260 games for Calgary while averaging 18:26 of ice time per game.
Kadri also plays a possession-heavy game, making him a hypothetical fit within Rod Brind’Amour’s system. Additionally, it would allow younster Logan Stankoven, who’s been holding down the fort centering the second line, to move back to a more comfortable position on the wing.
Regardless, there are only five other teams that could afford Kadri outright at the time being, and none are in the same stage of competitiveness as the Hurricanes. If Kadri is traded this season, it will likely be at the trade deadline, when all the competitive teams have accrued as much cap space as possible, giving Calgary a larger list of potential suitors. Since the Hurricanes have until March, that gives them plenty of time to put together an enticing offer — one that could influence the Flames to put pressure on Kadri to alter his list.
Curious as to why the elite players minus a couple currently on the team refuse to stay or want to go to Carolina?
Few reasons
1. Ownership is very stringent in negotiations fighting for every penny, which rubs a lot of players the wrong way. I.e. they offered Guentzel more money than Tampa, but that was only after a long, drawn out back and forth, which is why Guentzel walked. But also they offered Rantanen and Marner blank checks and both didn’t sign. Carolina also has a reputation for cheapness which has carried over from the Karmanos years, but I wouldn’t say the team is cheap, they’ve spent to the salary cap every year under Dundon.
2. Brind’Amour’s system/coaching style. He doesn’t tolerate any laziness or defensive mistakes and no one gets special treatment. Svechnikov spent a lot of time on the 4th line and Jarvis is currently on the 3rd line. No one is bigger than the team, which rubs a lot of stars the wrong way, most of them aren’t used to playing bottom 6 roles when they’re in a slump.
3. Raleigh isn’t exactly a destination city. It’s relatively small and quiet without a ton to do.
4. State income taxes are relatively average, so no advantage there. Also fewer opportunities for endorsement deals, which is an advantage a lot of the bigger markets have.
Wild should go after this guy
Kypreos turned out to be dead wrong on Necas in Colorado, I personally don’t put much stock in what he writes,