Cale Makar Describes How Nazem Kadri Elevates Avalanche

Makar on Kadri’s Energy and Swagger

Cale Makar didn’t hesitate when asked about what it’s like having Kadri back:

"Its unreal. There's so many words you can use to describe him. Such a bubbly guy though, he's always talking and very outgoing, so he's a great presence in the room and he fits in seamlessly. He's already coming in, and he's running things, talking to guys, asking about plays and things, so very engaged, and it's awesome to see."

Kadri doesn’t just play the game — he injects energy into it. The “bubbly” personality Makar describes shows up in practices, in meetings, and on the bench. Makar then expanded on that idea when asked about Kadri’s swagger:

"Yeah, swagger’s a good word. I feel like I use that a lot for him, so I’m trying to find something else because I use it every time, but he’s got that little — it's not the overarching kind of too much swagger — but he’s got it where guys are gonna trust him to do his job. And like I said, he’s kind of got that impact where he just comes in and fits in right away."

Kadri is the kind of player teammates trust in big moments, not because he demands the spotlight, but because he always has their back no matter what.

Fixing the Power Play Problem

For all their success, the Avalanche’s power play has remained their one glaring weakness, and it’s not for lack of talent.

When Makar was asked how Kadri might help address that issue, his answer provided insight on what makes him so valuable:

"I think he's got a lot of poise, obviously he sees the ice really well, and when he has the puck he's kind of always a threat because he's a good shooter, and then he also has that rare ability to see different passing lanes that a lot of guys might not see in a split second. He brings that kind of patience aspect to it, especially on that halfwall."

That patience might be exactly what Colorado needs. Kadri brings a different tempo. He slows the game down just enough to let options develop, while still being dangerous enough to keep defenders honest.

The Avalanche didn’t need to make a splash at the deadline. That’s what makes this one stand out.

They chose to improve from a position of strength, adding a player who already understands their system, their expectations, and what it takes to win in their room. For a team chasing another Stanley Cup, that matters more than ever.