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 in the top six, he gives Colorado elite center depth 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 make 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 year. Curran, a tall Czech center, is an intriguing prospect who will be going from the WHL to college next season. Most importantly, the Flames also add two more high draft picks for the next few years.

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