Kadri Excited to Share Stanley Cup experience with the Flames

After over a month of being a free agent, the buzz surrounding the signing of Nazem Kadri by the Calgary Flames has expectations high as the Flames look to improve their chances at winning a Stanley Cup.

During a recent media conference, Kadri, who had to deal with the ups and downs of free agency, said one of the reasons he chose to sign with Calgary was he was attracted to the direction the team is taking and the idea of playing in Canada.

As one of the league’s top free agency players during the off-season, Nazem Kadri took his time deciding which team to sign with before inking a seven year deal with the Flames. A big part of that came down to the Flames needing to trade Sean Monahan so they could free up the salary cap space needed to sign Kadri.

“It’s certainly an elaborate process. The patience definitely did me some good,” said Kadri during a media conference call on Friday. Calgary was always a team that was interested from Day 1. It was definitely a tricky process, there was some decisions to be made. Obviously, I am a Canadian boy and I love the country of Canada and the city of Calgary but what was more important was the direction of the team.”

At 31, Kadri joins MacKenzie Weegar and Johnathan Huberdeau, the three of whom are part of a massive makeover for the Calgary Flames after Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau opted to leave the organization. During the conference call, Kadri mentioned that he was impressed the Flames were able to retain their competitiveness considering everything that had happened.

“It’s alarming to anybody when you lose players of that magnitude,” said Kadri. “But I think Brad (Flames GM Brad Treliving) has done a great job getting some return and valuable players obviously Huberdeau and Weegar who were a part of a great team last year.”

Last season was one of Kadri’s best with the Colorado Avalanche and one of the best in his career. The Ontario played 71 games, racked up 87 points and was instrumental in Colorado’s run during the playoffs last season. The centre played 16 games during the post-season and racked up 15 points, all while recuperating from thumb surgery.

Now that he has inked the deal with the Calgary Flames, Kadri hopes to help the franchise and bring the lessons learned while with the Avalanche to the Flames organization.

“Having that poise and composure to be in those type of moments and just embrace it. Coming to Calgary, everyone kind of understands that there’s not one moment that’s gonna be too big for us. Just that calmness to be able to approach every single game like it’s any ordinary game. There’s obviously more on the line but I think that’s the mentality you have to have in order to stay calm and be your best.”

Calgary, who hasn’t won the Stanley Cup since 1989, are also banking on Kadri’s experience winning the Cup with Colorado that it will help them bring the cup back to Cowtown. For Kadri, the thrill of winning the Stanley Cup is one he wants to experience again, and he is hoping his efforts in Calgary will achieve that.

“You embrace those moments and being at the pinnacle of hockey and winning the Stanley Cup, it just makes you addicted to the feeling of winning and getting to the playoffs, playing meaningful games, and scoring meaningful goals. I think that’s always something you cherish as a hockey player. And hopefully, we’re going to get another opportunity to do that.”

Until he returns from vacationing in Paris, Kadri will have to wait for the opportunity to relive that moment when he brings the Stanley Cup to London, Ontario. A hometown boy, Kadri will also take time out to visit Toronto, a city he called home for eight seasons.

“I’ve done a lot of growing up in that city as well. And, and there have been lots of supporters of mine there. I’m hoping to see (lots of people) between the two and you know, it’s certainly an exciting day, and I’m looking forward to it.”

As for getting use to the climate and what it is like living in Calgary. Kadri is going to have to rely on his teammates, who he has spoken to during group chat sessions with the Calgary Flames. From all accounts, Kadri is looking forward to the experience.

“They’re raving about Calgary, every single opportunity they get so and rightfully so. The city is full of great people and passionate people because I see that in their personalities,” said Kadri. “Cale messaged me right after and just kind of wished me the best and asked if I needed any advice on it in the city. He’s excited about coming for the home opener as well. So hopefully we can get the job done that night.”

For fans, they can get this first sighting of Kadri when the Flames play the Vancouver Canucks is their first preseason game of the year. As for punters banking on Kadri’s experience being a game changer, hedging your bets early at some of our recommended Canadian bookmakers is one way to build the hype that is sure to follow.