New Colorado Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri didn’t know where he’d play hockey next, nor had he been informed about any move by the Calgary Flames, the minute the NHL trade deadline passed on Friday.
The 35-year-old centre has been hearing his name in trade rumors for months, if not years, and when the clock struck 3 p.m. on Friday without word of a move, Kadri still believed he was remaining in Calgary.
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“I really didn’t think anything was (happening) of real significance…,” Kadri said. “(I) got a call, it was actually after the deadline had ended. So I originally thought that I was possibly staying, and then I got the call that Denver was the spot.”
That call from the Flames confirmed a return to the Avalanche, where Kadri won the Stanley Cup in 2022.
Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (91) prepares to take a face-off.Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
(Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)
“I think my head almost hit the ceiling,” Kadri said about learning of the trade. “I was so excited.”
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Colorado acquired Kadri from Calgary for forward Victor Olofsson, prospect Maxmilian Curran, a conditional first-round pick in 2028 and a conditional second-round pick in 2027.
On top of Kadri, the Avalanche also received a fourth-round pick in 2027, while Calgary retained 20 percent of Kadri’s remaining salary to facilitate the deal.
Kadri has 41 points in 61 games this season and 751 points in 1,046 regular-season games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Avalanche and Flames.
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“I’ve had nothing but the utmost respect for the city and the team and the organization,” Kadri said. “I’ve truly loved my time as Flame, and I think the respect was mutual.
“We were able to have open discussions and transparent conversations that were honest. So just completely honoured to have been a Flame and to have the people in the front office that are just stand-up individuals.”
Kadri is expected to make his debut for the Avs on Sunday, when Colorado hosts the Minnesota Wild at 2 p.m. ET.
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Related: Auston Matthews Voices Frustration Before NHL Trade Deadline
Related: Brady Tkachuk Sends Farewell Message After Senators Announce David Perron Trade
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.