From Leafs prodigy to Flames’ Stanley Cup-winning Captain: The Nazem Kadri Story

Nazem Kadri is a prominent NHL player who has experienced a range of highs and lows throughout his career, transitioning from early days with the Toronto Maple Leafs, moving on to win the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche, and today being a part of the Calgary Flames. His lively career has been marked by periods of pressure, controversy, and redemption.

Kadri was born in 1990 in London, Ontario, and got his start in Ontario Hockey League with the London Knights and Kitchener Rangers. His dynamic play quickly caught the attention of NHL scouts, resulting in him being drafted seventh overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2009.

His time with the Toronto Maple Leafs was anything but calm. Kadri became the emotional core of the team, achieving back-to-back 30-goal seasons and often livening up the game with his tough style of hockey. However, his unexpected suspensions and contentious behavior during playoffs garnered criticism.

Despite Kadri’s enthusiasm which was loved by the Maple Leafs, a shift in direction led to Kadri being traded to the Colorado Avalanche in 2019. In Colorado, Kadri flourished playing alongside top performers like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. He significantly improved his two-way game, achieving career highs and clocking 87 points in the 2021-22 season. Kadri also played a major role in Colorado’s first Stanley Cup win in over two decades.

Kadri later signed a seven-year, $49 million contract with the Calgary Flames. Even at 35 years of age, Kadri continues to make a significant impact in his games – he is still a fierce contender for the puck, continues to score under pressure, and his playing style has lost none of its initial desperation.