Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri named the NHL’s third star of the week

Here’s the league’s rundown on Kadri from their release:

Kadri paced the NHL with 4-4—8 in four games to propel the Flames (37-38-5, 79 points) to a trio of victories. He notched 1-1—2 (including the tying goal with 5:09 remaining in regulation and an assist on the overtime winner) in a 3-2 triumph versus the San Jose Sharks April 9 before being held off the scoresheet in a 4-1 defeat against the Los Angeles Kings April 11. Kadri rebounded with consecutive three-point performances, collecting 1-2—3 in a 6-3 triumph over the Anaheim Ducks April 12 and 2-1—3 (highlighted by a pair of third-period goals, including the game-winner) in a 6-5 victory against the Arizona Coyotes April 14. The 33-year-old Kadri leads the Flames with 29-45—74 through 80 total appearances in 2023-24, his second-most productive campaign across his 15 NHL seasons (after 2021-22: 28-59—87 in 71 GP w/ COL).

While historically Mikael Backlund’s line has been the trio that’s paced the Flames, this season Kadri’s line – in various configurations – have been among the team’s best as well. Earlier in the season, Kadri was accompanied by rookies Martin Pospisil and Connor Zary. More recently, he’s been playing between Andrei Kuzmenko and Pospisil. He’s also been a key part of a power play that’s gotten hot lately.

Kadri is in the second season of a seven year deal carrying a $7 million cap hit. You can fret about how Kadri’s deal is going to age, but he was pretty decent last season coming off a short summer and getting physically pummelled during a Stanley Cup run with Colorado… and he’s been really good this season. How will he be for the remaining five seasons? The Flames are hoping he stays close to this level.

The Flames are back in action on Tuesday when they visit the Vancouver Canucks.