10 Takeaways: Kadri’s First Game Against Calgary Was A Memorable One

Mar 30, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri (91) celebrates his first goal of the first period against the Calgary Flames at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images You don’t need to give Nazem Kadri a reason to show up for a game, regardless of where his team is in the standings, and what part of the season it is. But some games matter just a little bit more.

This was one of them. In his first game against the Calgary Flames since departing, Kadri recorded two power-play goals just 1:04 apart to build Colorado’s lead up to 3-0. They went on to win 9-2.

“We’ve been rolling on the PP, so certainly we feel like we can go out there on any given power play and score big goals,” Kadri said. “When you have that swagger and that confidence, I think it starts to grow. ” The Flames traded Kadri back to the Avs on March 6 as they head towards a fourth consecutive season outside of the playoffs.

Kadri held no remorse towards the Flames; quite the opposite. He has, time and time again, praised them for how they handled his request to be moved. Kadri signed a seven-year, $49 million contract with the Flames after winning the Stanley Cup in 2022 with Colorado.