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Calgary Flames' Kadri not happy after being left off Canada's Olympic camp roster

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
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Aug 2 2025, 3:16 pm
Calgary Flames' Kadri not happy after being left off Canada's Olympic camp roster
Sergei Belski/Imagn Images

Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri has never been shy to voice his true feelings, regardless of the situation.

The 34-year-old is a fiery competitor, which is what has allowed for him to have a very successful NHL career to date. Even while getting up there in terms of age, he is still at the top of his game, as proven by his career-high 35 goals this past season.

Clearly, Kadri was in the belief that his big season would put him on the radar for the 2026 Winter Olympics, but the selection crew for Team Canada seemingly had other thoughts.

Yesterday, Hockey Canada revealed that 42 players, including 26 forwards, will take part in its orientation camp in late August. Kadri was not one of the 26 forwards named, and appeared to be quite confused by the decision. He let it be known with a simple comment on a TSN Instagram post.

Kadri has a point in suggesting he should have been named over a few others on the list. He had a team-leading 67 points this past season for a low-scoring Flames team, and was able to put up 75 the season prior. On a Stanley Cup winning team, he’s likely viewed as a very good number-two centre.

While Kadri does have a point in suggesting he should have been included on the 42-man list, however, there was never really any hope of him cracking Canada’s roster. As we saw at the 4 Nations Face-Off, Canada is loaded with talent, particularly down the middle of the ice. That not only includes players with more offensive talent, but others, say Anthony Cirelli, who are far better defensively.

Seeing that Kadri is upset by this should be good news for Flames fans, however, as it will give the veteran plenty of motivation heading into what will be his fourth season with the organization.

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