'They must really like me': Nazem Kadri excited to return to Avalanche

Nazem Kadri is excited to return to the Colorado Avalanche, the team he won the Stanley Cup with in 2022.

The 35-year-old forward addressed the media via Zoom ahead of the Colorado Avalanche’s matchup with the Dallas Stars.

“I have a special bond with the team. I’ve always been watching from afar. And checking in to see how all my buddies are doing and how the team’s doing,” Kadri said. “Of course over the years, I’ve been staying tuned and following the group. What a team. I’m just so thrilled that I get to try to add to that. It’s funny, over the course of my professional career, I’ve only been traded twice and it’s been to the same team both times. They must really like me.”

The Avs’ new/old addition was part of the leadership group that led the team to hoisting the Cup three seasons ago. Not much of that group has changed.

“It makes it a lot easier. Understanding how the leaders operate. Then just being so welcoming. I’ve heard from a lot of guys today, I know it’s a game day,” Kadri said. “They’re probably super focused on a hefty job tonight but still reached out and everyone seems very excited and very fired up. And likewise.”

Kadri is expected to be in Colorado on Saturday. It is not known if he will play in the noon game against the Minnesota Wild on Sunday at Ball Arena.

Watch the full press conference in the player above.