Nazem Kadri isn’t hiding how feels after being left off the 2025 Team Canada National Teams Orientation Camp roster.
He’s not shy about what he wants; to be at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics, repping the red Maple Leaf. He’s made that clear:
“I feel like I deserve a chance,” Kadri told The Athletic. “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.”
Confidence has never been an issue for Kadri, and looking at his body of work, he’s not just blowing smoke. He’s coming off a career-best 35 goals and 67 points in 82 games — not exactly numbers you brush off. He’s also a Stanley Cup champion, with a reputation for showing up when games matter most. So yeah, Kadri has a case for consideration.
Here’s the problem: making Team Canada is a completely different beast, and the centre position is an exclusive club.
A Crowded Room
When you start stacking the names, it gets pretty crowded in a hurry. Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon — those are locks. Brayden Point? Pencil him in too. Then you’ve got Sam Reinhart, Nick Suzuki and a handful of other guys who could all potentially make the cut.
Also remember, even star players get left out. Mark Scheifele had 87 points last season — 39 goals, 48 assists — and he still didn’t make Canada’s Four Nations roster. That’s how tough the decisions are. You can be a point-per-game player and still be watching from home.
Where Kadri Fits
So where does Kadri slot in? If we’re being real, he’s likely not leapfrogging the aforementioned elite playmakers down the middle. His best chance might come as a versatile option — sliding to the wing, taking on matchup minutes, or adding that sandpaper edge Team Canada always seems to value.
He’s got that Brad Marchand-Sam Bennett type of edge to his game. He gets under opponents’ skin, he’s relentless on the forecheck, and he can pop up with a timely goal. That kind of blend — skill with snarl — has a place , even in international hockey.
Kadri also brings a champion’s pedigree. He proved his worth in Colorado’s Cup run, stepping up in big games and scoring clutch goals despite playing hurt. That’s exactly the kind of DNA that makes up Canadian hockey.
The Reality Check
At the same time, simply wanting to be there isn’t enough. Team Canada doesn’t hand out “good story” spots. If Kadri is going to force his way into the conversation, he’ll need another monster season — something that pushes him into the top tier of forwards league-wide.
Even then, there are no guarantees. Remember, Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson went 31-6-6 with a 2.49 goals against average and a .910 save percentage last year and still got snubbed. Sometimes, even a strong season isn’t enough when the pool is this deep.
So does Kadri deserve a look? Absolutely. His numbers, his edge, his championship pedigree — they all check boxes. Still, being named to the roster is another story. Canada’s depth chart is a mountain to climb, and Kadri’s going to need to be at his absolute best to get there.