Nazem Kadri Returns to Colorado
On March 6, 2026, Nazem Kadri was traded back to the Colorado Avalanche from the Calgary Flames, a significant move that marks his return to the team with which he won a Stanley Cup championship in the 2021-22 season.
The Avalanche acquired Kadri in exchange for forward Victor Olofsson, the rights to unsigned draft pick Max Curran, a conditional 2028 first-round pick, and a conditional 2027 second-round pick. As part of the deal, Calgary will retain 20% of Kadri’s $7 million cap hit for the remaining three years of his contract.
Prior to the trade, Kadri had 12 goals and 41 points in 61 games this season, showcasing his offensive capabilities. Last season, he achieved a career-high of 35 goals while playing for the Flames. His performance in the postseason has also been notable, with 18 points in 15 games during the 2020 playoffs and 15 points in 16 games during the Avalanche’s championship run.
Kadri’s experience is significant, as he has played over 1,000 NHL games and is one of only nine players in the league with at least 300 points, 1,200 shots on goal, and 300 hits prior to the trade. His ability to create scoring opportunities is underscored by his ranking in the 94th percentile for midrange shots on goal and the 92nd percentile for high-danger shots.
As of the trade, the Avalanche are leading the league with 91 points, and Kadri’s return is expected to bolster their already strong lineup. Craig Conroy, a key figure in the Flames organization, remarked, “Nazem’s one of those guys that you really like. He’s a competitive guy that wants to win at his age.”
Reflecting on the trade process, Kadri stated, “One minute you think you’re out of the door. Next minute, you think you’re staying. And the next minute, you think you’re out, and you’re staying again.” This sentiment captures the uncertainty that often accompanies player trades in the NHL.
Overall, Kadri’s move back to Colorado not only reunites him with a team where he previously found success but also adds depth to the Avalanche’s roster as they aim for another championship run.
