Detroit Red Wings
The Daily: Kadri May Waive NMC; Value Never Been Higher
The Nick Kypreos Trade Board added Nazem Kadri this week because supply and demand works the same way in the NHL as it does in the business world.
Because multiple teams are looking for centers and few are available, the Calgary Flames could expect a strong return if they move him. He has a full no-movement clause, and Kypreos believes he would be willing to move it for the right teams, particularly Toronto or Montreal.
“Given how thin the market is for centers and how well he played last season,” Kypreos writes, “Kadri’s stock has never been higher if Flames general manager Craig Conroy chooses to pull the trigger.”
Kadri turns 35 before the 2025-26 season launches, but he scored a career-high 35 goals last season. Kadri has four years remaining on a deal with a $7 million cap hit. That could cause some suitors to think twice.
“As I see it, the teams that are under the most intense pressure to add a game-changing player include Edmonton, Toronto, Colorado and Los Angeles,” Kypreos wrote for Sportsnet.ca “The second tier that doesn’t necessarily have the same urgency, but could use a trade jolt, include Washington, Montreal, Ottawa, New Jersey and Dallas.”
Kypreos said the teams looking to make a trade that will get them in the playoffs are Columbus, Detroit, Utah, Anaheim and Vancouver. Kadri could help most of the teams, including Detroit.
Red Wings In Case You Missed It
Lucas Raymond was snubbed on the NHL.com list of top forwards Under-25. His omission from the list is difficult to explain given that he outscored everyone on the list.
GM Steve Yzerman signed 2025 first-round pick Carter Bear to his entry level contract.
Eduards Tralmaks has a deal worked out with a Czech team if it doesn’t work out with the Red Wings.
Red Wings Extra
One of the key performers in Detroit’s organization may be assistant coach Alex Tanguay. Presuming the younger players will continue to improve, Detroit’s offense could be modestly improved this season. But Detroit’s playoff hopes are still dependent upon having power play effectiveness similar to last season. Tanguay is in charge of the power play. Detroit was tied with the Vegas Golden Knights for the NHL’s best power-play percentage (30.2 percent) from the time of their coaching change (hired Todd McLellan on Dec. 26) through the end of the 2024-25 season.
Hockey Now Network
Chicago: The Blackhawks clearly believe a team cannot have too many netminders. They signed another one to add to their mix. Greg Boysen has the details. Chicago Blackhawks.
Florida: Panthers lose ESPY race to be top team. Again. Florida Panthers.Â
San Jose: The Sharks paid tribute to long-time team executive and goalie coach Wayne Thomas who died recently at age 78. Thomas was also a former NHL goalie with the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers. San Jose Sharks.Â
