Fri, Mar 6, 2026 at 2:59pm

KADRI RETURNS TO COLORADO!

The Colorado Avalanche acquired center Nazem Kadri and a fourth-round draft pick in 2027 from the Calgary Flames for winger Victor Olofsson, center Maxmilian Curran, a conditional first-round draft pick in 2028 and a conditional second-round draft pick in 2027.

What does it give the Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche make arguably the biggest trade of this year's deadline, reuniting with Kadri. Still productive at age 35, he gives Colorado elite center depth (behind Nathan MacKinnon and Brock Nelson, and ahead of fellow newcomer Nicolas Roy), and even more flexibility up front. The Avs paid a high price here but Kadri is a proven playoff performer. Colorado's first-place lineup now looks even more formidable as the playoffs approach.

What does it give the Calgary Flames
The Flames made the tough decision to move Kadri, their top forward, with two years remaining on his contract (retaining 20% of it), but they are retooling. Calgary gets back one roster player in Olofsson, who could help their slumping offense this season. Curran, a tall Czech center, is an intriguing prospect who will be going from the WHL to college hockey next season. Most importantly, the Flames also add two more high draft picks in the next few years.

Fantasy impact
Kadri should get a definite boost moving to the top offense in the league. He will not be a first-line center anymore but will be an even better player than usual. Back in Calgary, centers like Morgan Frost and Mikael Backlund could see added power-play time with Kadri no longer around. Remember Curran's name in Calgary, too, as he gets closer to his NHL debut.