Avalanche Must Trade for Nazem Kadri to Boost Stanley Cup Hopes Amid NHL Rumors at Deadline

The Colorado Avalanche lead the NHL in points but the team has not advanced past the first round of the playoffs since winning the Stanley Cup in 2022 and there is mounting pressure to right that wrong.

After unloading Samuel Girard, the team has the capabilities to make a move ahead of the deadline. Emily Kaplan of ESPN reported that the team has explored a reunion with Nazem Kadri.

The veteran center has 12 goals and 29 assists for 41 points this season and is averaging 19:24 on the ice for Calgary this season.

With the Flames in rebuild mode, and Kadri ready to win now, it makes sense for the Avalanche to bring back a player it knows can contribute, as he did in his 2021-22 campaign with Colorado, where he tallied 28 goals, 59 assists, and had the best individual season of his career.

The ultra-competitive Kadri does everything well and his competitiveness helps him initiate momentum for whichever team he plays for. He is a physical player and can lay down hits. He is also not afraid to throw down when necessary.

He has played in championship games and brings a level of veteran leadership that fits well with the Avalanche, who are looking to erase the doubts of those critical of their recent first-round struggles.

With Colorado potentially prepared to trade Valeri Nichushkin per Avs reporter Adrian Dater, a proven goal scorer, it appears the team is ready to make a move. Reuniting with a respected player, with ties to the organization and its previous success, feels like the right move.

Especially when Kadri is still playing at a relatively high level.