HIGHLIGHTS
- Nazem Kadri says he deserves a shot at Team Canada’s 2026 Olympic roster
- The Flames center posted career-high 35 goals last season
- Read below for Kadri’s reaction and why he’s stirring the pot
Nazem Kadri’s done being polite about it.
The Flames center went public Thursday with his frustration over getting left off Hockey Canada’s 42-player orientation camp. And he’s not mincing words about deserving a spot on Team Canada’s Olympic roster for Milan-Cortina 2026.
“I feel like I deserve a chance,” Kadri told The Athletic’s Julian MacKenzie. “I think over the last few seasons, I’ve certainly proven that with my statistics and the winning pedigree. I think it speaks for itself.”
The numbers back him up. Kadri lit the lamp 35 times last season, a career high, while adding 67 points in all 82 games. He’s been Calgary’s leading scorer two straight years. That’s not nothing.
The Instagram Jab
When Hockey Canada dropped their Olympic camp roster earlier this month, Kadri couldn’t help himself. He fired off three question marks under the team’s Instagram post.
Classic Kadri move, honestly. And when asked if the social media shot could hurt his Olympic chances?
“Who cares?” Kadri said. “It could help or hurt, I’m not quite sure. It’s not as serious as most people thought it was. I just thought I’d create a little stir.”
I noticed something watching that whole Instagram thing unfold. The comments were split pretty evenly between people saying he had a point and others calling it unprofessional. But you know what? Sometimes you gotta make noise to get noticed in this league.
The Olympic Dream
Here’s what stings most for Kadri: he hasn’t worn the maple leaf since the 2014 World Championship. That’s over a decade watching from the couch while other guys get the call.
“Honestly, man, it would be an absolute dream come true to somehow crack that team,” he said. “I’ve been a long shot before. I’m looking forward to giving myself an opportunity. But I understand I’m going to have to play well.”
The 34-year-old knows this is probably his last shot at Olympic glory. NHL players are back for the first time since 2014, and Father Time doesn’t wait for anyone.
What’s Next for Kadri
The orientation camp runs August 26-28 in Calgary. Kadri won’t be there. But he’s not throwing in the towel on his Olympic dreams just yet.
He’ll need a monster start to the 2025-26 season to force Hockey Canada’s hand. The Flames have missed the playoffs three straight years, though they stayed alive until the final week last season.
Kadri’s locked up through 2029 on his seven-year, $49 million deal. He’s got the platform to make his case.
As for stirring the pot on Instagram? That’s vintage Kadri. With 35 goals last season, he’s earned the right to ask why he’s not in the conversation.
