NHL Rumor Mill – November 3, 2025
NHL Rumor Mill – November 3, 2025
Is Flames center Nazem Kadri not the right fit for the Canadiens? Could the Maple Leafs try to trade David Kampf? Will the Oilers attempt to move Troy Stecher? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
MONTREAL GAZETTE: Jack Todd isn’t buying into the recent media speculation linking Nazem Kadri to the Canadiens. While acknowledging that the 35-year-old Calgary Flames center could be on their list of potential trade targets, he doesn’t believe they’ll pursue him.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).
Todd cited Kadri’s lengthy suspension history for undisciplined play as one reason. He hasn’t been suspended since 2021, but his yearly penalty minutes remain at the same level.
Based on the way the Canadiens operate, Kadri is too old and too expensive to fit their need for a second-line center. Todd also pointed out that rookie Oliver Kapanen is currently filling that position, with promising Michael Hage on the way.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I agree that Kadri isn’t a fit for the Canadiens. Nearly every move that Canadiens management has made has been aimed at acquiring younger talent that will complement their young roster core.
Kadri is playing well now, but a decline is inevitable at his age. He’ll be poised for retirement by the time his contract expires in 2029.
The Canadiens prefer to add players who will perform well over the long term. If they’re going to part with assets for someone with an expensive contract, they want to ensure they will get their money’s worth.
Kapanen has done well thus far in the second-line center role, sitting fifth among this season’s leading rookie scorers with seven points in 12 games. If he can maintain or improve on that performance, the Canadiens won’t need to go shopping for a center by the March trade deadline.
Hage, meanwhile, sits fourth among NCAA scorers with 14 points in eight games. The 19-year-old center could crack the Canadiens’ lineup within the next two years.
SPORTSNET: On Saturday, Elliotte Friedman said David Kampf is taking a few days to consider his future with the Toronto Maple Leafs’ organization.
The 30-year-old center was sent down to their AHL affiliate before the start of this season because the Maple Leafs had a roster and salary-cap crunch.
Friedman mentioned that some observers brought up the possibility of Kampf seeking a mutual contract termination with the Leafs. That would enable him to sign with another NHL club. However, he’s still owed over $4 million by the Leafs.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Maple Leafs could try to trade Kampf. However, there isn’t much of a market for him at the moment.
Friedman also said that the Edmonton Oilers could try to move defenseman Troy Stecher. With sidelined players like Zach Hyman, Mattias Janmark, and Alec Regula returning soon, they must free up some roster and salary-cap room.




