New GM and coaches has rejuvenated the veteran center after a disappointing season
Frustration and disappointment were the apt descriptions of last season for the Calgary Flames.
Flushing those emotions and replacing them with excitement for the coming season is not a difficult task according to center Nazem Kadri.
“I played in Toronto for 10 years. I can shrug things off pretty easily,” Kadri told Sportsnet 960. “It’s a non-issue. I like looking back on seasons and reflecting on seasons, pointing out things I feel I’ve got to improve on and it keeps me motivated throughout the summer, but in terms of hanging on to that, I don’t think that’s really a problem for any of us. I think we’re going to approach it with a clean slate.”
A clean slate with renewed optimism following a tumultuous off-season resulted in Craig Conroy stepping into the general manager position following Brad Treliving’s departure and Ryan Huska taking the head coaching duties after Darryl Sutter's firing.
Everybody is aware more changes are likely with the slew of players who are pending unrestricted free agents after the 2023-24 season, but that knowledge does not diminish the optimism.
Not only will Huska’s presence come without Sutter’s acerbic ways, but a different approach on the ice.
“I’ve got faith in Husk,” said Kadri, who was in Calgary for the Stampede as well as Brian Burke’s Targets for Kids fundraiser supporting KidSport Calgary. “I’ve talked to him several times one-on-one since the news broke. I really like where his head’s at. I think he’s a smart guy. He’s got some coaching experience, is familiar with the franchise and the players surrounding the organization, so that’s a huge help to find someone who knows what’s going on.
“At the end of the day, defence is going to win you a championship, but it’s a modern offensive game that everyone has to adapt to, and I think he’s going to be creative.”
As for his own game, Kadri expects a more consistent season. After winning the 2022 Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche and signing a seven-year, $49-million contract with the Flames, Kadri had a fantastic start with 19 goals and 38 points in 50 games. However, he netted only five goals and 18 points in the final 32 contest.
“It’s been a little more time (off) than we’d hoped for, but … me specifically, mentally and physically, it was well needed. We’re gonna come back next (season) and be eager and have lots of energy.”