The Montreal Canadiens are in a great spot to clinch a playoff spot, as they've been in a three-team battle with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Detroit Red Wings for first place in the Atlantic Division. Due to the position that they are in, the Canadiens would benefit from making a trade for a player that can be a real difference maker down the stretch of the regular season and the playoffs.
It appears the Canadiens are looking towards one team's potential fire sale to bring in a difference maker.
TSN NHL insider Darren Dreger recently revealed on Insider Trading that the Flames, who recently traded defenseman Rasmus Andersson, are discussing the possibility of trading forward Nazem Kadri. Dreger reports that General Manager Crag Conroy is speaking with Kadri's camp. Dreger notes that the Canadiens are among the teams "tire-kicking" at a potential Kadri trade, alongside the Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, Los Angeles Kings, and Dallas Stars.
Canadiens kicking the tires about a potential Nazem Kadri trade
The Flames are the second Canadian team who have let it be known that they are open for business in terms of trades. They may not reach Vancouver Canucks-levels of trading away players left and right, but it appears they are more open to trading a top player like Kadri more than earlier this season.
Dreger mentions that Kadri "wants to do what’s best for the Flames, and he also wants to win a Stanley Cup." While he did mention that nothing is imminent, this should set up flares that a top scorer is now available for every playoff contender. The Canadiens should be a team heavily pursuing him.
If there is one factor contributing to Montreal's success thus far, it's their scoring ability. Through 50 games this season, the Canadiens are averaging 3.40 goals, the third-highest in hockey. Cole Caufield is the team's leading goal scorer with 25. Nick Suzuki has the most points on the team, notching 55 points, 40 of which are assists. Now imagine adding Kadri to the lineup. Look, it may not get to Avalanche-levels, but Kadri could help improve their scoring.
This season, Kadri has nine goals and 25 assists through 49 games. Those are relatively solid numbers, but less than a point-a-game pace. Maybe getting added to a team with legitimate scoring line in Montreal will help increase his production. But it's important to note that Kadri does have a 13-team no-trade list, and it's unknown if Montreal is on it. Given that, he does hold the cards in where he ends up at the deadline, if he even wants to leave.
The Canadiens are in a position to make a splash to help increase their odds of bringing home their 25th Stanley Cup.