Avalanche Re-Acquire Nazem Kadri
Colorado Avalanche have landed Nazem Kadri in a high-profile trade, with the fan favorite rejoining a roster already considered a Stanley Cup contender. The move positions Colorado as the team to beat in the postseason, adding what's seen as the final piece for a deep playoff run.
To facilitate the reunion, the Calgary Flames retained 20% of Kadri's $7 million annual salary, leaving the Avalanche with a $5.6 million cap hit for the remaining three seasons of his contract. In exchange, Calgary received forward Victor Olofsson, prospect Max Curran, a conditional 2028 first-round pick, and a conditional 2027 second-round pick. Kadri's last season with Colorado in 2021-22 was a career-best, where he posted highs in assists (59) and points (87). He was a pivotal part of the 2022 Stanley Cup championship run, contributing 15 points in 16 playoff games. The 35-year-old center spent the last four seasons with the Calgary Flames after leaving Colorado in free agency. At the time of the trade, he was leading the Flames in points with 41 (12 goals, 29 assists) through 61 games this season. This move significantly bolsters an already formidable Avalanche lineup, which currently sits first in the Central Division with a record of 41-10-9. The addition of Kadri provides Colorado with impressive depth at the center position, joining the likes of Nathan MacKinnon and Brock Nelson.
