Very interesting, I'll have to sit down and listen but Nazem Kadri did an interview for the latest 31 Thoughts podcast and explains the reason why he nixed the Calgary trade.
The trade to Colorado came after Kadri had exercised the 10-team, no-trade clause in his contract in order to block a potential deal that would have sent him to Calgary. Colorado was not one of the team’s on Kadri’s list.
Quote:
On the latest episode of 31 Thoughts: The Podcast, Kadri explained why he nixed the deal with the Flames.
“So what happened is they had a deal in place and they wanted me to move my no-trade clause,” Kadri told co-hosts Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek. “But you know, obviously, for me, it was no disrespect to Calgary or the Flames organization. I love their team and I love the direction they’re headed. I just figured that had I declined, I would have had a better opportunity of being a Maple Leaf next year and that’s really what it came down to. I wanted to play for the Leafs next year. I wanted to be a part of that. In declining that trade I had aspirations of being a Leaf and we know clearly that didn’t happen.
“They had other plans,” Kadri continued. “I’m just happy to be moving to a great city with a great team, a great group of guys. I’ve talked to everybody in the (Colorado) organization and they’re ecstatic to have me so it’s nice to be wanted.”
Kadri was also asked if he harbours any hard feelings as a result of the trade.
“I mean, I understand it’s a business,” he explained. “… For me, it’s about going in to next season with a chip on my shoulder. I know what I’m capable of and I want to just prove a point more than anything. So I’ll be looking to have a big year next year.”
People keep pushing this narrative that he nixed the trade to Calgary and approved it for Colorado but the truth of the matter is he didn't have a say in going to the Avs as they were not on his no-trade list. Now, we can argue why he included Calgary on that list, but whatever the case, it just appears that he didn't want to be traded at all and exercised that right. Now I'm wondering who Calgary was sending his way...I'm guessing Brodie, who is comparable to Barrie talent-wise but isn't a RHD.