Flames' Nazem Kadri Comments on His Future in Calgary

When Nazem Kadri signed a lucrative free-agent contract with the Calgary Flames, he thought they'd be going for it every season, trying to win the Stanley Cup. Now the team is re-tooling on the fly after a season which included several big names being traded out of Calgary, turns out that hasn't changed Kadri's mindset about the franchise.

Kadri has quickly become a leader in Calgary, a role that he hasn't necessarily held on any other team he's played for. He's relished the role and even though he wasn't expecting to see the team re-tool, he's open to it:

Kadri reiterated he’d like to be a leader and help drive the bus with a younger team going forward. Says he really leaned into doing that this season.

“Turns out I’m pretty good at it.” #Flames https://t.co/97DqsSweQv

— Pat Steinberg (@Fan960Steinberg) April 19, 2024

Of the myriad of things I was intrigued by today, Nazem Kadri's temperature might've topped the list--did he see himself part of a #Flames retool? This response seems quite clear-cut: pic.twitter.com/bYjQiN361k

— Salim Nadim Valji (@salimvalji) April 19, 2024

Kadri has five more seasons left on his deal with the Flames, at $7 million AAV. He finished this season with 75 points in 82 games and looks to continue to improve on the defensive side of the puck. 

Actually, Nazem Kadri had pretty good season to be fair. Would be great for Calgary if Kadri will play at this level for next years as well. https://t.co/n3SFnnOOh5 pic.twitter.com/AOoUccsfVf

— Andy & Rono (@ARHockeyStats) April 19, 2024

Here's Kadri's full availability from the end of the season presser. The Flames forward can expect to see a number of moves coming from Calgary this summer as they are loaded with top draft picks and are still looking to move Jacob Markstrom.

“It’s a terrific place to play. I’ve enjoyed my time here.”

Nazem Kadri speaks with the media about his play this season, the team growing together and more. pic.twitter.com/oLEm5vH6Xx

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) April 19, 2024

Photo credit:  Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports