Nazem Kadri, Calgary Flames (Sergei Belski-Imagn Images)

Grading the Flames & Avalanche’s Nazem Kadri Trade

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Spencer Lazary | Last updated Mar 7, 2026 8:35 AM ET

The NHL trade deadline always delivers a few blockbusters, and the Colorado Avalanche made a massive splash by bringing back a familiar face.

Nazem Kadri is heading back to Colorado in a deal with the Calgary Flames that signals the Avalanche are officially all-in for another Stanley Cup run.

Full Trade:

Avalanche receive:

Nazem Kadri (20% salary retained)
2027 fourth-round pick.

Flames receive:

Victor Olofsson
Max Curran
Conditional 2028 first-round pick
Conditional 2027 second-round pick

Flames Continue Selling Assets

Trade Grade: B+

For Craig Conroy and the Flames, this was about maximizing the return on an aging asset. Kadri’s time in Calgary was interesting. They were so close to making the playoffs last season. However, with the team clearly heading toward a retool, keeping a 35-year-old on a long-term deal didn’t make much sense.

That said, securing a first-round pick and a second-round pick is a great return for a player at this stage of his career. Max Curran is a solid prospect who adds some much-needed youth down the middle, and Victor Olofsson can step into the lineup right away to provide some veteran scoring. The Flames had to retain some salary to make the numbers work, although they likely aren’t overly thrilled about that. But getting that kind of draft capital in return makes it worth it. It’s a clear sign that Calgary is committed to building for the future.

Avalanche Bring Back Kadri for Cup Run

Trade Grade: A

The Avalanche know exactly what they are getting in Kadri. He was a vital part of their 2022 championship run, and his gritty, middle-six production is exactly what they need to bolster their center depth. This trade gives them the best center core in the entire NHL. It starts with Nathan MacKinnon and then Brock Nelson, Kadri and newly acquired Nicolas Roy. There is also Ross Colton, but he may shift the wing with the addition of Kadri and Roy.

At 35, Kadri still has plenty to offer, recording 41 points in 61 games with a struggling Flames team this season. He is a real pro, who brings his best effort night after night. His fit in Colorado was apparent, and it is nice to see that the Flames were able to get him back to where he wanted to go. The real win for Colorado here is the salary retention. Getting Calgary to eat 20 percent of that $7 million cap hit makes the remaining three years of his deal much more manageable. While they gave up a significant package of picks and a decent prospect in Max Curran, the Avalanche are in their winning window right now. Adding a player who has already proven he can win in their system is a great move.