The Colorado Avalanche blew up the NHL trade deadline with a last-minute blockbuster.
After the trade window had closed, one of the deals in the queue went through, with the news breaking that the Avalanche had landed Nazem Kadri from the Calgary Flames.
The deal had been in the works for several weeks. There was talk that the trade could go through on Wednesday night. However, reports emerged purporting that the Flames’ ownership had axed the deal.
The Avalanche then pivoted and traded for Nic Roy from the Toronto Maple Leafs. It seemed like Colorado was ready to call it a night. But then, news broke confirming that the Avalanche and Kadri were set for a reunion at the 2026 NHL trade deadline.
What makes this deal even more interesting is the fact that the Avalanche did not give up any of their core pieces in the deal. Here’s a look at the breakdown of the deal:
Avalanche get:
Nazem Kadri, F
2027 fourth-round pick
Flames get:
Victor Olofsson, F
Max Curran, F
Conditional 2028 first-round pick
Conditional 2027 second-round pick
The Flames retained 20% of Kadri’s salary.
While the Flames got four pieces at the NHL trade deadline, they did not end up getting any of the Avalanche’s roster players. While Olofsson has been a roster player, he was a free agent who signed a one-year, show-me deal in the offseason.
Olofsson has been good, but he’s a bottom-six piece. He should fit in nicely with Calgary and should get an opportunity to play a significant role for the Flames.
Avalanche Score Biggest Win of NHL Trade Deadline
The Avalanche scored the biggest win of the NHL trade deadline by far. The club ended up picking up one of the most coveted pieces, without giving up a ton for him.
Yes, the draft picks are always valuable. But the Avalanche are in Stanley Cup mode right now. Picks don’t really matter in terms of what the club is trying to accomplish. It’s a Cup or bust right now, with the cost not really being an issue.
The Avalanche upped the ante on the Central Division rivals, the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild, who also made additions at the NHL trade deadline.
But when comparing the additions, the Avalanche saw what their rivals did and blew them out of the water.
Colorado Should Get Massive Jolt
The additions of Nic Roy and Nazem Kadri should help take much of the load off Nathan MacKinnon and Brock Nelson heading down the stretch. Coach Jared Bednar can easily roll four lines, giving MacKinnon and Nelson a break.
It’s important to point out that both MacKinnon and Nelson went the distance at the Olympics. Nelson came home with a gold medal, while MacKinnon got silver. They didn’t have time off during the Olympic hiatus, potentially adding some more wear and tear on them.
That’s why getting two additional centers was a massive move for the Avalanche. They scored big at the NHL trade deadline and are now in a position to steamroll anyone in their way.
NHL Trade Deadline Blown Up with Avalanche Blockbuster