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Nathan MacKinnon ‘pumped’ on $49M Stanley Cup champ’s return to Avalanche

· Yahoo Sports

The Colorado Avalanche made one of the biggest moves at the NHL trade deadline by bringing back Nazem Kadri.

The veteran center returned to Colorado in a blockbuster trade with the Calgary Flames on March 6, marking his second stint with the franchise he helped lead to a Stanley Cup in 2022.

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Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon welcomed the move and expressed excitement about Kadri’s return to the lineup.

“Pumped to have Naz [Nazem Kadri] back on our team,” MacKinnon said. “It’s exciting for the fans, this organization, all of us in this room. We needed a little bit more game-breaking scoring punch we might have missed last year in the playoffs.”

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Last season, the Avalanche had a 49-29-4 record and qualified for the playoffs but exited in the first round. Since Kadri’s move, the Avalanche had won just 1 round in their three playoff appearances.

MacKinnon also praised the Avalanche front office for strengthening the roster as the team prepares for another playoff run.

“Once again, our management is going all-in,” MacKinnon said. “Obviously, it’s cup or bust for us, but we definitely really appreciate Joe, Cmac, Cogs, Kevin putting us in a good spot.”

The Avalanche’s star center, MacKinnon, is driving the Avalanche’s offense with 103 points this season, including 42 goals and 61 assists. Now, he will have Kadri to give offensive depth to the team.

Kadri, who is signed on a $49M contract, also shared his excitement shortly after the deal was completed.

“Super excited. The team at the very top of my list. Man, I can’t wait,” Kadri said during an interview with TSN.

Nazem Kadri’s trade cost for the Avalanche

The Avalanche acquired Kadri along with a 2027 fourth-round pick from Calgary. In return, the Flames received forward Victor Olofsson, prospect center Maxmilian Curran, a conditional 2028 first-round pick, and a conditional 2027 second-round pick.

Calgary also retained 20 percent of Kadri’s $7 million salary, leaving Colorado with a $5.6 million cap hit through the remainder of his contract, which runs until 2029.

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri (91) is seen on the ice at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Griffin Hooper-Imagn Images

Kadri is expected to help the Avalanche’s offense, as he has produced solid numbers this season. The 35-year-old has registered 41 points, including 12 goals and 29 assists, in 61 games with Calgary before the trade.

Colorado already holds one of the league’s best records this season. The Avalanche sit at 42-10-9 and lead the Central Division with 93 points.

With Kadri now back in the lineup, the Avalanche prepare for another Stanley Cup push.

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The post Nathan MacKinnon ‘pumped’ on $49M Stanley Cup champ’s return to Avalanche appeared first on The Big Lead.

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