Avalanche bring back F Nazem Kadri in swap with Flames

Veteran center Nazem Kadri, a key member of the Colorado Avalanche's 2022 Stanley Cup lineup, rejoined the franchise Friday via a trade with the Calgary Flames.

The Flames received a pair of conditional draft picks -- a second-rounder in 2027 and a first-rounder in 2028 -- along with forward Victor Olofsson and the rights to unsigned prospect Max Curran.

Calgary, which also parted with a 2027 fourth-round pick, agreed to retain 20% of Kadri's remaining salary, Sportsnet reported.

The 35-year-old departs Calgary as the team's scoring leader with 41 points (12 goals, 29 assists) in 61 games this season.

Colorado is the NHL's top team as the Avs lead the NHL in goals scored and fewest goals allowed. Calgary, meanwhile, entered Friday in a tie for 30th in the league standings.

"Obviously super excited," Kadri told TSN on Friday. "You know, a team at the very top of my list. Man, I can't wait."

Kadri signed a seven-year, $49 million contract with the Flames in the summer of 2022 on the heels of Colorado's triumphant playoff run, during which he scored seven goals and 15 points in 16 outings.

He achieved his career high in points by tallying 87 (28 goals, 59 assists) with the 2021-22 Avalanche en route to winning the championship.

Kadri has totaled 319 goals and 751 points in 1,046 regular-season games with the Flames, Avalanche and Toronto Maple Leafs, who selected him with the No. 7 overall pick in 2009 and dealt him to Colorado in 2019.

Olofsson, 30, recorded 11 goals and 25 points in 60 games with the Avalanche after signing a one-year, $1.575 million contract last August.

Previously with the Buffalo Sabres and Vegas Golden Knights, Olofsson has 116 goals and 236 points in 430 career games.

--Field Level Media