A bemused Nazem Kadri spent the first day of Calgary Flames training camp urging reporters to refrain from asking about his future with the franchise.
The center is among several veteran Flames fielding questions this week about their commitment to the rebuilding club this season.
“I feel like it’s super early to be asking these kinds of questions, so I’m gonna ask you guys to pump the brakes a little bit,” he said with a half-smile on Thursday. “Let us go play, and we’re going to try to rally around each other and surprise some people.”
Kadri, 33, signed a seven-year, $ 49 million contract with the Flames in the summer of 2022, shortly after the club traded Matthew Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers for Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar. Initially, it seemed the Flames had the potential to compete for the Stanley Cup.
However, they have missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons and dealt veterans like Chris Tanev, Jacob Markstrom, Elias Lindholm, and Noah Hanifin for prospects and draft picks.
Despite this shift under general manager Craig Conroy, Kadri asserts his commitment to the Flames.
“I love the city,” he stated. “I love the organization.”
Kadri’s sentiments reflect those of captain Mikael Backlund, Stanley Cup champion Blake Coleman, and defenseman Weegar. All three have term left on their contracts but remain committed to contributing at a high level, expressing their desire to see the process through in southern Alberta.
“I don’t want to go anywhere,” Weegar emphasized this week. “Many people discuss leaving, but I want to restore the reputation of this city and make it a championship city again. They’ve truly welcomed me, and I just want to give back.”
Coleman also spoke about the benefits of staying.
“We love it here,” he mentioned on Thursday. “It’s how I was raised… when times are tough, it teaches you what you’re made of.”
Coleman highlighted the quality of life in the city beyond hockey.
“It’s a great place to live,” he said. “A wonderful place to raise your family. I’ve only had positive experiences with the city and the organization. Nothing would make me happier than to win in Calgary.”
Huberdeau discussed his eight-year deal and his desire to fulfill it with the team. Despite a stellar last season with the Panthers, he has struggled with the Flames, tallying 107 total points in two seasons.
“I didn’t sign a long-term deal not to be here,” he affirmed Thursday. “I want to be here. I want to be a Calgary Flame.”
These veterans recognize the importance of their leadership as the team moves towards a younger roster, crucial for a successful season.
Last season, Lindholm was the team’s No. 1 center. This year, options like Backlund, Kadri, and 24-year-old Martin Pospisil will likely rotate in that role. Tanev, the top shutdown defenseman last season, is expected to be replaced by 24-year-old Kevin Bahl. Markstrom has been succeeded in goal by rookie Dustin Wolf and 27-year-old Dan Vladar.
The veterans understand that their influence off the ice will be as crucial as their performance on it.
“Lead by example,” said Rasmus Andersson, the current roster’s most experienced defenseman.
“I’m vocal in the room. I joke, but I’m serious when needed… I strive to make rookies feel welcome. A little friendly teasing keeps them on their toes; when they get teased, it means they’re part of the team.”
Kadri asserted that maintaining a high standard from the start of camp is essential.
“I want to look at myself in the mirror and accomplish something great every single day,” he said. “I’m also learning and aiming to become a better person and player.”
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