The NHL trade deadline often brings many moves, but some deals make more sense once more details come out. This idea fits one recent move, as a familiar player returned to a team where he once found success.
Flames GM Craig Conroy Explains the Nazem Kadri Trade to the Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche completed a notable $49 million contract move on March 6, bringing Nazem Kadri back from the Calgary Flames in a multi-piece deal. The Flames also retained 20% of Kadri’s $7 million salary, which reduced the cap hit for Colorado to $5.6 million for the rest of the contract.
From Calgary’s perspective, the decision followed roster changes and a need to plan ahead. General manager Craig Conroy has now explained how the process unfolded and how Kadri reacted when he heard the news.
Conroy said on a recent episode of “100% Hockey,” “Naz was in a situation where when he saw the other two guys go, and with him going back to Colorado, it wasn’t that hard. When I called him, it was a little later, so he thought he was staying. He was fine with that. When I told him it was Colorado, I could tell there was some excitement in his voice right away.”
Conroy also shared that other teams were involved in discussions, but the final deal matched both value and fit. He added, “I talked to other teams. There were other opportunities for him. In the end, we were very comfortable with the deal we got with Colorado and probably the best fit for him. I think if he had a wish list, that was his #1 spot.”
Conroy’s comments make it clear that the deal suited both the player and the organization.
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Before the trade, Kadri was Calgary’s top scorer with 41 points in 61 games, which made him an important part of their lineup. After joining Colorado, his role changed as he moved to the wing on the top line alongside Nathan MacKinnon. This adjustment helped the team deal with injuries while keeping its forward group effective.
Kadri’s return also connects to his earlier run with the Avalanche, where he played a part in their 2022 Stanley Cup win. Now, in his first 8 games after the trade, he has recorded 4 points and found his scoring touch with his first goal in a 5-1 win against Seattle on March 12.
Colorado remains one of the top teams this season, built on strong defense and balanced scoring. Kadri adds another option for the team as they prepare for the playoffs.
