Calgary Flames Trade Nazem Kadri Back to Colorado Avalanche Before Deadline

Nazem Kadri is traded back to the Colorado Avalanche, the team he won the Stanley Cup with in 2022. This is a big change for the Calgary Flames.
By Newsroom | Hockey, NHL |

Calgary, March 6, 2026 – In a move that ripples through the National Hockey League's trade deadline landscape, the Calgary Flames have sent forward Nazem Kadri back to the Colorado Avalanche. The deal, finalized late Friday, sees Kadri, a key figure in Colorado's 2022 Stanley Cup triumph, returning to a familiar fold. The Flames are retaining 20 percent of Kadri's contract in the transaction.

Flames shock NHL with Nazem Kadri, Blake Coleman trade decisions - 1

Kadri, who spent parts of four seasons with the Flames, departs Calgary as their leading scorer this season. He amassed 12 goals and 29 assists for 41 points in 61 games. His departure signals a pivot for Calgary, aiming for an accelerated rebuild. In return for Kadri, the Flames receive forward Victor Olofsson, the rights to unsigned draft selection Max Curran, a conditional first-round pick in 2028, and a conditional second-round pick in 2027.

Flames shock NHL with Nazem Kadri, Blake Coleman trade decisions - 2

A Familiar Reunion

The acquisition of Kadri by the Avalanche underscores a "cup or bust" mentality for the Colorado franchise this season. Kadri's previous tenure with the Avalanche, marked by his instrumental role in their championship run, made him a coveted target. The forward has played over 1,000 NHL games, scoring 100 goals and 239 points in 307 appearances for Calgary. Last season, he recorded a career-high 35 goals and 67 points in 82 games.

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Flames' Future Focus

From Calgary's vantage point, the trade is framed as a significant gain in draft capital. The acquisition of conditional first and second-round picks, alongside Olofsson and Curran, is intended to fuel a younger core. This move, coupled with an earlier acquisition of veteran center Ryan Strome from the Anaheim Ducks for a fourth-round pick, suggests a strategic repositioning for the Flames.

Transaction Details

The specific return for Kadri includes forward Victor Olofsson, who has one goal in 17 games this season and three points in 42 NHL games. Calgary also gains the rights to Max Curran, a player yet to be signed. The draft pick compensation involves a conditional first-round selection in 2028 and a conditional second-round selection in 2027. Calgary is retaining 20 percent of Kadri's salary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Calgary Flames trade Nazem Kadri to the Colorado Avalanche on March 6, 2026?
The Calgary Flames traded Nazem Kadri back to the Colorado Avalanche as part of a deadline deal. The Flames want to rebuild faster and get new players and draft picks.
Q: What did the Calgary Flames get in return for Nazem Kadri?
Calgary received forward Victor Olofsson, the rights to Max Curran, a conditional first-round pick in 2028, and a conditional second-round pick in 2027. The Flames are also keeping 20 percent of Kadri's salary.
Q: Why do the Colorado Avalanche want Nazem Kadri back?
The Avalanche want Kadri because he was important when they won the Stanley Cup in 2022. They are trying hard to win the cup again this season.
Q: How did Nazem Kadri do this season for the Calgary Flames before the trade?
Nazem Kadri was the top scorer for the Flames this season. He scored 12 goals and had 29 assists, for a total of 41 points in 61 games.
Q: What does this trade mean for the Calgary Flames' future?
This trade means the Flames are focusing on getting younger players and more draft picks to build their team for the future. They are trying to rebuild quickly.