After winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in spring 2022, center Nazem Kadri expected better expectations for his first season with the Calgary Flames, but recent weeks have given him a healthy dose of optimism.
Despite the arrival of Quebecer Jonathan Huberdeau, the Alberta side finished fifth in the Pacific division of the National League, meaning an early leave. Still, the team had secured first place in the division the previous year and the continuation looked promising. However, disappointment led to the departure of head coach Darryl Sutter and general manager Brad Treliving, replaced by Ryan Huska and Craig Conroy.
• Also read: Hurricanes raise hopes for sledge hockey
• Also read: Alex Galchenyuk was kicked out by the Coyotes and appears to have actually made a mistake
The club is likely to present a slightly different face on the ice with the likes of Tyler Toffoli and Milan Lucic leaving. However, Kadri is very confident and believes that the current squad will do the job thanks to the presence of a new face behind the bench.
“I have faith in Husk. I have spoken to him privately several times since the news broke. [de son embauche]. I really like his way of thinking, I think he’s a smart guy. He has coaching experience and knows the franchise and the organization’s hockey players, he told Sportsnet 960 radio. So it will be very helpful to bet on someone who knows what is going on. »
bouncing
Personally, the former Toronto Maple Leafs and “Avs” have enough experience to know how to get out of the swamp. The 2022-2023 season got off to a good start for the seven-year, $49 million signee last summer, scoring 38 points in his first 50 games. However, he failed at the wrong time, settling for 18 points in 32 games.
“I played in Toronto for 10 years so I know what it takes to change things. In the past seasons I was able to identify the aspects that I needed to improve and that motivated me in the summer. On the other hand, it is non-negotiable in terms of endurance. I don’t think that’s a problem. You have to approach the situation with a good attitude.
“We had more free time than we wanted, but hey. Personally, it was welcome from a mental and physical point of view. We will come back strong next season, be hungrier and at the same time have more energy,” he added.