Colorado Avalanche bring back Nazem Kadri in deadline trade with Flames
The Colorado Avalanche have re-acquired forward Nazem Kadri from the Calgary Flames in a major deal completed minutes before the NHL trade deadline.
Colorado sent a package including a conditional 2028 first-round pick and forward Victor Olofsson to the Flames to secure the return of their former player.
The deal sees the 35-year-old return to Denver, where he played a pivotal role in the franchise’s 2022 Stanley Cup triumph.
Trade details and salary retention
In addition to Olofsson and the future first-rounder, Calgary receive a conditional 2027 second-round pick and center prospect Max Curran.
The Flames will retain 20% of the veteran’s $7m (£5.3m) salary cap hit for the remaining three years of his contract.
Colorado also receive a 2027 fourth-round selection as part of the exchange.
The move signals a clear intent from the Avalanche, who currently sit first overall in the league standings with 91 points.
Cup winner returns to contenders
Kadri has recorded 12 goals and 41 points in 61 games during the current campaign.
The center left Colorado as a free agent following their championship success in 2022, signing a lucrative long-term deal in Alberta.
He remained durable despite the Flames’ slide into a rebuild, appearing in all 82 games for three consecutive seasons.
Last year, the experienced forward registered a career-high 35 goals.
Avalanche go all-in for title
Colorado have aggressively targeted depth down the middle to support superstars Nathan MacKinnon and Brock Nelson.
The acquisition follows the arrival of Nicolas Roy from the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday, which also cost the franchise a first-round pick.
With Kadri expected to slot in as a third-line center, the Avalanche have solidified their roster for a deep postseason run.
Calgary, meanwhile, have secured a significant return of assets to aid their future reconstruction.
