Kadri on proving doubters wrong and embracing role as Calgary Flames leader
The Calgary Flames are taking pride in proving their doubters wrong.
Expectations were low heading into this season, with many predicting Calgary to finish near the bottom of the NHL standings. Instead, the Flames find themselves in a wild-card spot after 46 games with a 23-16-7 record.
“We’re playing with a bit of a chip on our shoulder, using that doubt as motivation and fuel,” Flames centre Nazem Kadri said in an exclusive interview with Daily Hive.
“We’ve always been a confident group. Being able to have the leadership that we do and some championship pedigree along the way, and some young guys moving the needle, it’s been a nice mix.”
Belief grew in the Flames dressing room after the team jumped out to a surprising 5-0-1 start.
“The start really helped. It helped us build some confidence and understand that our style of hockey could be successful. And honestly, I think we’ve played well, but we haven’t played our best yet. That’s what’s encouraging moving forward.”
The Flames’ young players have played a significant role in their success this season. Connor Zary was thriving before a knee injury, and Matt Coronato has shown impressive growth. However, the most remarkable story has been Dustin Wolf, who has become the clear-cut starter and is now in the Calder Trophy conversation.
“It’s great to see. I was in a situation like that early on in my career when I was one of the young guys that was trying to push the team over the top and make us successful. I try to give as much encouragement and knowledge as I can. They’re certainly guys that I’m going to be rooting for for a long time.”
For Kadri, this season has been a refreshing change of pace. After winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche, he signed with the Flames, expecting them to be contenders. Instead, they have missed the playoffs in each of the past two seasons. It wasn’t what Kadri had expected, though it never had him questioning his decision.
“I love the city of Calgary,” Kadri said. “All the fans have embraced me tremendously, which I couldn’t respect more. Obviously, I don’t like not being able to play in the playoffs — that’s something I’m not a big fan of — but we’re trying to get back there. I think collectively we’ve done a good job at resetting and understanding what it takes.”
Away from the rink
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Kadri has fully embraced the city and its culture since his arrival. Beyond hockey, he has also been involved in several initiatives, both locally in Calgary and across Canada.
One of his latest endeavours is his role as the prairie ambassador for Kruger Big Assist, a program aimed at making hockey more accessible to kids throughout the country. The program has raised over $800,000 to help 45 hockey communities since 2021, and Kadri is proud to be a part of it.
“I’ve been chosen as the ambassador for the prairies region, which I’m extremely thrilled about. Very honoured to have that opportunity,” Kadri explained. “I love what Kruger Big Assist is doing in making the game more accessible and inclusive for Canadians all over the country.
“Whether it’s paying for gear or renovating a community arena, I think it’s a tremendous thing they’re doing. My concept aligns with it. I’ve done similar things like it in the past, and I’m thankful to be on board.”
Finding chemistry with Huberdeau
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On the ice, Kadri has been a key contributor, ranking second on the Flames in goals (16) and points (32), trailing only Jonathan Huberdeau.
The chemistry between Kadri and Huberdeau since being paired on a line together has been a pleasant surprise. They’ve played alongside one another in the past, though not for very lengthy stretches.
“Sometimes it’s just timing. I really don’t think we’ve played a whole lot together through our first couple years,” Kadri said. “I’m not sure why that wasn’t given more of an opportunity, but I think we caught each other at a time where we both were playing well.
“We understand each others’ tendencies, and he’s a great friend of mine off the ice as well. We can be honest with each other and that makes us better.”
Looking ahead, Kadri believes the key to staying in a playoff spot is maintaining a steady level of play.
“We just need to continue to stay consistent, be at a playoff level night in and night out. It’s very difficult to do, but good teams find a way to manage that,” Kadri said. “I think as guys get more comfortable and start to figure out who meshes with who, there’s going to be a lot more to come.”
Given their resilience and the strides they’ve made so far this season, Kadri’s belief in this group is valid. With 36 games remaining, the Flames are determined to continue defying expectations.
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