Nazem Kadri embracing Calgary and endearing himself to the fans already

Nazem Kadri is waisting no time endearing himself to the Calgary faithful. Kadri, alongside fellow new Flames MacKenzie Weegar and Jonathan Huberdeau, had the honour of waiving the Calgary Stampeders flag prior to the CFL team's clash with the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday.

Kadri signed a 7-year, $49 million ($7 million AAV) with the Flames this offseason. The soon-to-be 32-year-old is coming off a career season in which he produced 87 points (28 goals & 59 assists) in 71 games with Colorado. He then added 15 points in 16 playoff games on route to an Avalanche Stanley Cup.



While Kadri chose to sign in Calgary this offseason, Leafs fans will remember that he vetoed a trade, via his ten team no trade clause, that would have made him a Flame three years ago. Once that trade was squashed, Kadri was traded to the Avalanche in a deal that brought Tyson Barrie and Alexander Kerfoot to Toronto.
After signing with the Flames, Kadri clarified that his vetoing the deal was less about the City of Calgary, and more to do with him not being able to see himself playing anywhere besides Toronto at the time.

Kadri is a heart and soul player, who can add offence, reliable defensive play, and grit to a lineup. While the contract might be longer than ideal for the Flames, one thing is for sure, the City of Calgary is going to fall in love Naz.