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Calgary Flames Veteran Speaks Out After Disappointing Season

By Nathan Smith

VANCOUVER, CANADA - MARCH 31: Nazem Kadri #91 of the Calgary Flames skates up ice during the second period of their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on March 31, 2023 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, CANADA - MARCH 31: Nazem Kadri #91 of the Calgary Flames skates up ice during the second period of their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on March 31, 2023 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Getty Images) /
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At this point, it’s no secret that the Calgary Flames team weren’t overly fond of their last Head Coach, and unfortunately, it led to their two biggest off-season acquisitions in Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri disappointing in 2022-23, but now, it appears the team are ready to bounce back in a big way during the upcoming season.

When asked about the excitement around the team during a recent interview while in town for Calgary Stampede, Kadri had this to say; “It’s a re-energizing feeling anytime you make any sort of coaching or management change. But when you look at what (Flames GM Craig Conroy) has built, we’ve got a coaching staff that is going to have us playing a different way and, in my opinion, more to our style”.

While many people around the league have begun counting the Flames out due to their lack of elite talent offensively and their ageing roster, but Kadri believes new Head Coach Ryan Huska is exactly what the team needs to bounce back, as Huska will encourage the offensive freedom and get the team playing a more new-school style of hockey. “For me – and I know for a lot of guys, too – we feel rejuvenated and we’re going to come out with lots of energy next year.”

Another topic that has come up in recent times is the perception around the league that no one wants to play in Calgary, and while that can’t be disputed unequivocally until the team start landing some big name free agents, Kadri has also professed his love for the city. “I love the city. I love it,” Kadri said, unequivocally. “It’s got such great people, great fans. They’re passionate and that’s what you want as a player. In a Canadian market – and with the new arena coming – I don’t think there’s a better option”.

Lastly, and something that should give the fans plenty of hope and optimism about the future of the organization is Kadri’s final statement; “I think this off-season has been a blessing in disguise to get our heads and our bodies right, so come back full force in the fall”. There’s been a lot said about the team and the organization since Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk left town a year ago, but with Kadri and Huberdeau both rejuvenated and excited for the new season under Ryan Huska, there’s plenty of positive vibes coming from inside the playing group.

So what do you think Flames fans? Can Kadri lead a bounce back for the much scrutinized Flames team? What is their ceiling in 2023-24? What do you think the outlook of the team is like going forward? As always, let us know all your thoughts in the comments below. 

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