NHL Rumor Mill – July 26, 2025
NHL Rumor Mill – July 26, 2025
The latest on Flames center Nazem Kadri and defenseman Rasmus Andersson, plus some recent speculation about the Red Wings’ defense corps in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon noted Nazem Kadri’s impressive offensive totals with the retooling Calgary Flames. The 35-year-old is a valuable commodity to the Flames, and to a club trying to find a second-line center in an offseason where the trade and free-agent markets are bereft of such players.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (NHL Images).
Dixon acknowledged the Flames aren’t in any hurry to trade Kadri. He has four years left on his contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $7 million and a full no-movement clause for this season. Nevertheless, he’s been a stubborn fixture in the rumor mill.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kadri keeps appearing on trade boards because of the lack of skilled centers in the current trade and free-agent markets. That’s why some pundits continue to suggest that he’s a trade target.
The Flames could move Kadri if they receive a great offer and he’s willing to agree to the trade. Otherwise, don’t be surprised if he’s still in the Flames’ lineup when they open the regular season in October.
If Kadri is moved, Dixon listed the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, and Toronto Maple Leafs as potential destinations.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Avalanche and Maple Leafs are Kadri’s former teams, and they would probably love to bring him back.
However, both clubs lack the cap space to take on his contract. They would still have to shed salary even if the Flames retained half of his AAV, which is unlikely because they aren’t under pressure to move him. The Avs and Leafs also have limited trade assets to tempt the Flames compared to the other three clubs.
Kadri’s age and contract length seem an unlikely fit with the Canadiens. They have been building their roster around young talent, and could be unwilling to part with tradeable assets for a 35-year-old center with an expensive contract.
Devils defenseman (and former Flame) Dougie Hamilton has surfaced in the rumor mill. However, a Kadri-for-Hamilton swap is doubtful as the Flames might not be on his 10-team list of preferred destinations.
The Hurricanes are in “win-now” mode with a creative general manager willing to make big moves. Kadri might be a fit there, provided he’s willing to go to Carolina.
CALGARY SUN: Daniel Austin reports it seems increasingly likely Rasmus Andersson will start this season with the Flames. The 28-year-old defenseman is in the final season of his contract, becoming eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July.
Austin considers it “almost inevitable” that Andersson will be moved at some point this season. However, with no move taking place around the draft last month, a trade doesn’t seem imminent.
Flames GM Craig Conroy has no problem with Andersson being in the lineup when this season begins. He has stated that he has no concerns about the blueliner’s attitude. His future isn’t expected to be much of a distraction for the Flames this season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Andersson is far more likely to be traded by the Flames than Kadri. Conroy hasn’t received any suitable offers for him and is willing to wait until he does. Having him on the roster could also help them remain in the hunt for a playoff berth this season.
DETROIT HOCKEY NOW: Bob Duff recently reported the Red Wings might not be done adding to their blueline this season.
Duff noted that there are some “under-the-radar defensemen” who could be had in this summer’s trade market.
Jamie Oleksiak of the Seattle Kraken and Ryan McDonagh of the Tampa Bay Lightning are two possibilities. The Lightning traded McDonagh before and could do so again.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Oleksiak and McDonagh are UFA-eligible next summer. The Kraken are under new management, which also explains why Oleksiak has surfaced in the rumor mill. The Lightning could attempt to move McDonagh to free up cap space for other additions, but they could be content to stick with their current roster for now.