Just when the Colorado Avalanche seemed to have pushed back from the table at the NHL trade deadline, the Avs landed Nazem Kadri in a stunner.
The deal had reportedly been dead after the Calgary Flames ownership had apparently kiboshed the deal. The Avs then pivoted to Nic Roy of the Toronto Maple Leafs, likely killing any speculation about a potential move.
But in news after the NHL trade deadline window had closed, the Avalanche had indeed made the deal for Kadri.
The official deal sees the Avalanche land Kadri and a 2027 fourth-round pick for Victor Olofsson, prospect Max Curran, a conditional 2028 pick, and a conditional 2027 second-round pick.
Ok let's try this again (take 57)..
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 6, 2026
Kadri & a 4th to Avs for Victor Olofsson, the rights to unsigned draft pick Max Curran, a 1st and 2nd, Flames retain 20% of Kadri deal
The Flames also retained 20% of Kadri's salary for the remainder of his contract.
Last season, the biggest move was Brock Nelson. This year, it’s Nazem Kadri. And it's a steal by all accounts. While the first-rounder is par for the course, the Avs did not give up any top prospects (Curran could be considered one depending on how you see it), or any key roster players.
The center depth the Avalanche have now is easily the best in the NHL. And it's no surprise that everyone is calling Colorado the best team in the league now, by a country mile.
The reunion between Kadri and the Avalanche makes sense on both sides. He’ll likely slide into the 3C spot. Potentially, that could mean Nic Roy sliding to the fourth line. If that’s the case, it remains to be seen what happens with Jack Drury.
We will be updating this story here at Mile High Sticking. The details are just beginning to emerge. But you have to think this move instantly makes the Avalanche the undisputed Stanley Cup favorite at this point.
The Avs have been a bit of a jolt. So, it makes sense that Kadri would be the final piece to get over the finish line.
Colorado will be hitting the ice on Friday night against the Dallas Stars. So, Kadri will not likely be in the lineup. It remains unclear when he could join the team. But it’s clear that Kadri’s addition is a move looking at the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.
The expectation will be that the Avalanche will now get back to their record-setting pace from earlier in the season. This trade deadline is certainly one of the most exciting for fans in recent memory.