Former Colorado Avalanche star Nazem Kadri recently opened up about his feelings regarding his snub for Team Canada’s roster leading up to the 2026 Olympics.
A piece in The Athletic published on August 15 captured Kadri’s comments regarding the noticeable snub. 42 players were invited to Team Canada’s orientation camp in Calgary, of all places, later this month.
Kadri’s name was not among the invitees.
The former Avalanche had this to say about the situation:
“I feel like I deserve a chance. I think over the last few seasons, I’ve certainly proven that with my statistics and the winning pedigree. I think it speaks for itself.”
Indeed, he’s right. Kadri set a career-high in goals last season with 35. It was his third 30-goal season of his career, and the fourth year in a row he topped 20. The former Avalanche center set a career-high in points in Colorado with 87 during the team’s Stanley Cup run in 2022.
But just because Kadri got passed over this time around doesn’t mean he’s completely out of the running. Kadri knows he still has a chance. But he’s cognizant that it will take hard work to make it.
He added:
“Honestly, man, it would be an absolute dream come true to somehow crack that team. I’ve been a long shot before. I’m looking forward to giving myself an opportunity. But I understand I’m going to have to play well.”
Kadri will face some stiff competition, but there’s always a chance for solid players to make the team. That’s why fans should count Kadri out.
Connection to current Colorado Avalanche players could open doors for Kadri
Two current Colorado Avalanche stars are locks for Team Canada’s Olympic Roster. Former teammates Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon will headline a stacked Team Canada line. But it's this relationship that could open doors for Kadri on the Canadian roster, given their familiarity.
In particular, MacKinnon’s connection to Kadri could be something Team Canada management considers when making their final roster decisions.
One can only imagine a Canadian team that features MacKinnon at center with Kadri on one of his wings. Such a combination could make for an interesting combo. Kadri is one of the few players who combine skill and toughness. That’s something Canada will need plenty of, especially when taking on Team USA.
If the 4 Nations Face-Off was any indication, Team Canada will need all the grit it can get. That’s why players like Kadri and Washington’s Tom Wilson make sense for the Canadian squad.
Since there are always injuries and down years, a good season from Kadri with the Flames could catapult him into a spot on Team Canada.