Nazem Kadri

Kadri was born on October 6, 1990, in London, Ontario,{{cite news |last=Malinowski |first=Mark |title=Getting To Know: Nazem Kadri |url=https://www.si.com/hockey/news/getting-to-know-nazem-kadri |work=The Hockey News |publisher=Sports Illustrated |date=October 13, 2013 |access-date=October 29, 2021}} the second of five children and the only son born to Samir and Suhayla Kadri.{{cite news |last=Pyette |first=Ryan |title=Nazem Kadri ready for Toronto pressure |url=http://www.simcoereformer.ca/2009/06/30/nazem-kadri-ready-for-toronto-pressure |work=Simcoe Reformer |date=June 30, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104132541/http://www.simcoereformer.ca/2009/06/30/nazem-kadri-ready-for-toronto-pressure |archive-date=January 4, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2021}} His grandparents were born in Kfar Danis, a mixed Muslim-Christian village in Lebanon, and moved to Ontario when Samir was four years old. Samir Kadri wanted to play hockey during his adolescence, but his family could not afford for their son to play. When Nazem was born, his father decided that he should have the opportunity to play the sport.{{Cite news |last=Kimelman |first=Adam |title=Kadri's background as unique as his skill |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/kadris-background-as-unique-as-his-skill/c-425702 |publisher=National Hockey League |date=June 16, 2009 |access-date=October 29, 2021}} Kadri began ice skating at the age of two, joined his first hockey team when he was four years old, and was playing at the elite level within the next two years.{{cite news |last=McGran |first=Kevin |title=Maple Leafs get role model |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2009/06/27/maple_leafs_get_role_model.html |work=Toronto Star |date=June 27, 2009 |access-date=October 29, 2021}} The Kadri family also attended National Hockey League (NHL) games; despite living near Toronto, they supported the Montreal Canadiens.{{cite news |last=Hotakie |first=Alima |title=Nazem Kadri, a minority no more |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2014/3/8/nazem-kadri-a-minority-no-more |work=Al Jazeera |date=March 8, 2014 |access-date=October 29, 2021}}

Kadri was a successful hockey, basketball, and volleyball player, first at Jack Chambers Public School and later at A. B. Lucas Secondary School. By the end of his high school career, Kadri was fairly certain that he would be selected in the NHL draft.{{cite news |last=McGran |first=Kevin |title=Leafs' Nazem Kadri under pressure to perform and build bridges |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2010/09/26/leafs_nazem_kadri_under_pressure_to_perform_and_build_bridges.html |work=Toronto Star |date=September 26, 2010 |access-date=October 29, 2021}} He also played minor ice hockey in the London Jr. Knights system of the Alliance Hockey organization, serving as team captain at multiple minor levels.{{cite news |last=McGran |first=Kevin |title=Newest Leaf's hockey-mad home |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2009/06/28/newest_leafs_hockeymad_home.html |work=Toronto Star |date=June 28, 2009 |access-date=October 29, 2021}}

File:Ontario Hockey League IMG 1173 (4470882045).jpg for his final two seasons in juniors.]]

Kadri began his OHL career with the Kitchener Rangers after being selected in the first round, 18th overall, of the 2006 OHL Priority Selection.{{cite web|title=OHL Priority Selection process conducted on Saturday |url=http://www.canoe.ca/OHLNews0506/0506.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115124736/http://www.canoe.ca/OHLNews0506/0506.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 15, 2013|access-date=2010-01-17|date=2006-05-06|publisher=Canoe, Inc.}} During his second season in the OHL, he played 68 games, recording 25 goals and 40 assists (65 points).{{cite web|title=Kadri, Nazem – NHL.com – NHL Entry Draft Prospect Profiles|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectdetail.htm?dpid=5375|access-date=2010-01-17|publisher=National Hockey League}} During that year's playoffs, Kadri helped the Rangers to an OHL Championship and a berth in the Memorial Cup final, where they lost to the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League (WHL).{{cite web|title=Memorial Cup|url=http://www.hhof.com/legendsofhockey/html/silver_splashmemorialcup.htm|access-date=2010-01-17|publisher=Hockey Hall of Fame|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403152525/http://www.hhof.com/html/sitemap.shtml|archive-date=April 3, 2013|df=mdy-all}}

After the 2007–08 season, Kadri was traded to the London Knights (his hometown team) in exchange for several draft picks.{{cite web|title=London Knights complete trade for Nazem Kadri|url=http://www.sootoday.com/content/sports/full_story.asp?StoryNumber=32498|access-date=2010-01-17|date=2008-06-03|publisher=Soo Today}} He played in 56 games for the Knights in 2008–09, recording 25 goals and 53 assists (78 points). Kadri was sidelined during the 2008–09 season when he suffered a broken jaw.{{cite web|title=Opportunity knocks for Kadri |url=http://www.londonknights.com/display_news.asp?news=1436 |access-date=2010-01-17 |date=2009-12-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402101834/http://www.londonknights.com/display_news.asp?news=1436 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 }} He was selected to play for Team OHL in the ADT Canada Russia Challenge, but was unable to participate due to the jaw injury.{{cite web|title=2009 NHL Entry Draft Profile: Nazem Kadri|url=http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/2009-nhl-entry-draft-profile-nazem-kadri-p128570|access-date=2010-01-17|date=2009-06-24|publisher=Ontario Hockey League}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}} Kadri was later invited to the Canada men's national junior ice hockey team's selection camp for the 2009 World Junior Championships but did not make the final roster. Also during the 2008–09 season, Kadri was chosen to play in the OHL All-Star Classic, where he suited-up for the Western Conference and scored one goal.{{cite web|title=Nazem Kadri (C) – London Knights|url=http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/player.php?id=4566|access-date=2010-01-21|publisher=Ontario Hockey League|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017180402/http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/stats/player.php?id=4566|archive-date=October 17, 2007|df=mdy-all}}

After the 2008–09 OHL season, Kadri was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round, seventh overall, of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.{{cite web|title=NHL Entry Draft|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftsearch.htm?year=2009&round=1|access-date=2010-01-17|publisher=National Hockey League}} He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the club on July 6, 2009.{{cite web|title=Leafs ink first-rounder Kadri to entry level deal|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/story/?id=283884&hubname=nhl-maple_leafs|access-date=2010-01-18|date=2009-07-06|publisher=TSN}}

After being cut from the Maple Leafs, Kadri returned to play for the Knights in the OHL. He was selected to play for Team OHL in the 2009 Subway Super Series (renamed from the ADT Canada Russia Challenge).{{cite web|title=Subway Series Roster Announced |url=http://www.gopetesgo.com/news.php?id=900 |access-date=2010-01-17 |date=2009-10-28 |publisher=Peterborough Petes |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402121929/http://www.gopetesgo.com/news.php?id=900 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 }} He was also selected to represent the Western Conference in the 2009–10 OHL All-Star Classic, his second appearance in the OHL's All-Star Game in as many seasons.{{cite web|title=Ontario Hockey League Announces Rosters for the 2010 OHL All-Star Classic |publisher=Ontario Hockey League |url=http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/ontario-hockey-league-announces-rosters-for-the-2010-ohl-all-star-classic-p140101 |access-date=2010-01-21 |date=2010-01-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117044732/http://ontariohockeyleague.com/ontario-hockey-league-announces-rosters-for-the-2010-ohl-all-star-classic-p140101 |archive-date=January 17, 2010 }} On March 30, 2010, Kadri was named the CHL Player of the Week after recording nine points (two goals and seven assists) in three games.{{cite web|title=London Knights forward Nazem Kadri wins CHL Player of the Week Award|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5gYYKPhsLJSalE8HKKvc4lcB_eQXQ|access-date=2010-04-09|date=2010-03-30|publisher=The Canadian Press}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} The OHL named Kadri the league's Player of the Month for April 2010, a month in which he recorded 26 points (9 goals and 17 assists) in 10 games.{{cite web|title=Kadri named OHL player of the month|url=https://www.tsn.ca/chl/story/?id=316328|date=2010-04-01|access-date=2010-04-09|publisher=TSN.ca}}

Kadri attended training camp with the Maple Leafs prior to the 2009–10 season. He played in six pre-season games with the club, in which he recorded three goals and two assists. Then-Toronto head coach Ron Wilson had said prior to training camp that Kadri would need to be one of the team's top-six forwards to make the club; Kadri was ultimately returned to the Knights prior to the start of the NHL regular season.{{cite web|title=Kostitsyn, Kadri among those sent packing from NHL camps|url=http://www.faceoff.com/story.html?id=de92713c-125b-449d-be8c-25d2aea9c63c|author=James, Peter|access-date=2010-01-17|date=2009-09-27|publisher=CanWest News Service|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219152405/http://www.faceoff.com/story.html?id=de92713c-125b-449d-be8c-25d2aea9c63c|archive-date=February 19, 2012|df=mdy-all}} Due to injuries to forwards Christian Hanson and Fredrik Sjöström, Kadri was called-up to the Maple Leafs under an emergency basis, making his NHL debut on February 8, 2010, against the San Jose Sharks. He did not register any points and finished with a −1 plus-minus rating while playing on a line with fellow rookie Viktor Stålberg and veteran Lee Stempniak.{{cite news |title=Leafs call up Kadri|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-call-up-kadri/article1460593/|access-date=2010-02-08|date=2010-02-08|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|location=Toronto}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/242056/2018/02/15/nazem-kadri-has-never-had-a-linemate-quite-like-mitch-marner/ |title=Nazem Kadri has never had a linemate quite like Mitch Marner |website=theathletic.com |publisher=The Athletic |author=Jonas Siegel |date=February 15, 2018 |access-date=September 19, 2024}} This was a one-game-only call-up, and he subsequently returned to the London Knights following the game. Ron Wilson said that he would most likely be with the Maple Leafs for the 2010–11 season, though this was in doubt after comments made by both Wilson and then-Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke during the pre-season, indicating that Kadri had not played to the level they expected and was "running out of time" to prove himself.{{cite web|url=https://nationalpost.com/Burke+Kadri+ready+contribute/3582553/story.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20101005115535/http://www.nationalpost.com/Burke+Kadri+ready+contribute/3582553/story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2010-10-05 | title = Burke: Kadri ready to contribute|date=March 30, 2010}}{{cite web|last1=Ritter|first1=Mark|title=NHL Preseason: Nazem Kadri Scores Two, but Is It Enough?|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/477767-nhl-pre-season-nazem-kadri-scores-two-is-it-enough|website=bleacherreport.com|publisher=Bleacher Report|access-date=11 December 2017|date=29 September 2010}}

In addition, Burke was traditionally a strong supporter of rookies gaining experience at the American Hockey League (AHL) level prior to NHL careers.{{cite news| url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/nhl/mapleleafs/article/866646--leafs-nazem-kadri-under-pressure-to-perform-and-build-bridges | location=Toronto | work=The Star | first=Kevin | last=McGran | title=Leafs' Nazem Kadri under pressure to perform and build bridges | date=2010-09-26}} Kadri was included in the Maple Leafs' last round of cuts, and was subsequently sent to the AHL's Toronto Marlies for the start of the season. However, on November 12, Kadri was called-up by the Maple Leafs (along with fellow prospect Keith Aulie).{{cite news| url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/with-leafs-in-freefall-kadri-called-into-action/article1796897/ | location=Toronto | work=The Globe and Mail | first=James | last=Mirtle | title=With Leafs in freefall, Kadri called into action | date=2010-11-12}} On November 16, in a game against the Nashville Predators, Kadri recorded his first NHL point, assisting on a goal by Kris Versteeg.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2010/11/16/predators_leafs/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240526143229/https://www.webcitation.org/6FkTMiB5O?url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/predators-leafs/|archive-date=May 26, 2024|df=mdy-all | title = Predators, Maple Leafs boxscore}} Two days later, on November 18, Kadri recorded his first multi-point night with two assists in a game against the New Jersey Devils. On March 19, 2011, against goaltender Tim Thomas of the Boston Bruins, Kadri scored his first career NHL goal.

File:Nazem Kadri Marlies.jpg]]

Kadri was named to the AHL All-Star Game in 2012.

Prior to 2012–13 season, Kadri began training under former NHL player and Maple Leaf Gary Roberts over the summer to gain muscle and "play more explosively".{{cite web|last=Brophy|first=Mike|title=BROPHY ON LEAFS: KADRI GOOD OPTION FOR CENTRE|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2012/07/12/nazem_kadri_toronto_maple_leafs_nhl_james_vanriemdsdyk/|publisher=Sportsnet|access-date=July 12, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628145303/https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/nazem-kadri-toronto-maple-leafs-nhl-james-vanriemdsdyk/|archive-date=June 28, 2022|df=mdy-all}} On January 19, 2013, when NHL play resumed after the 2012–13 NHL lockout cancelled much of the first half of the scheduled regular season, Kadri made the starting roster for the Maple Leafs in their season opener against the Montreal Canadiens. He would score the first Maple Leafs goal of the season with a powerplay mark assisted by Phil Kessel against goaltender Carey Price. Kadri finished the game named the game's first star. One month later, on February 19, in a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Kadri had his first NHL fight, engaging with Tampa Bay defenceman Victor Hedman. With the Maple Leafs losing 4–1 late in the game, Hedman delivered a cross-check to the back of Kadri, who then confronted the {{height|ft=6|in=6}} defenceman. Punches were then exchanged before teammates and officials broke up the fight. On February 28, in a 5–4 win against the New York Islanders, Kadri scored his first career hat-trick.{{cite web| url = https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=417065 | title = Kadri nets hat-trick in win over Islanders | publisher = The Sports Network | date = 2013-02-28 | access-date = 2013-02-28}} On March 30, he scored his second career hat-trick, and second of the season, in a 4–0 win over the Ottawa Senators.{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nazem-kadri-scores-hat-trick-for-maple-leafs-in-4-0-victory-over-senators/c-663013|title=Nazem Kadri scores hat trick for Maple Leafs in 4-0 victory over Senators|author=|date=March 30, 2013|website=NHL.com|publisher=NHL|access-date=November 24, 2017}} He would finish the season with 18 goals and 26 assists, finishing second only to Phil Kessel for the team lead in points and goals as the Maple Leafs as a team clinched the fifth seed in the East to cement a playoff spot for the first time since 2004. On May 4, Kadri scored his first Stanley Cup playoff point, recording an assist on a goal by Kessel after Kadri sprung him on a breakaway. On May 13, he scored his first playoff goal against the Boston Bruins in Game 7. Despite the Leafs having a 3–1 series and earlier in the series and a 4–1 lead in the seventh game, the Leafs would lose game seven to the fourth-seeded Bruins in overtime 5–4 with Bruins' centre Patrice Bergeron scoring the series winning goal in the extra overtime period.

On September 11, 2013, Kadri signed a new two-year, $5.8 million contract with Toronto. On November 13, Kadri delivered an elbow to the head of Minnesota Wild goaltender Niklas Bäckström. As a result, the NHL's Department of Player Safety issued Kadri a three-game suspension.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=691567|title=Maple Leafs' Kadri suspended three games|author=|date=November 13, 2013|website=NHL.com|publisher=NHL|access-date=November 14, 2013}} During the 2013–14 season, his first full 82-game season, Kadri set career-highs in goals (20) and points (50).

Kadri was suspended twice during the 2014–15 season, the first internally by the organization for showing up late to a team practice; he received a three-game suspension.{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-beat/kadri-embarrassed-by-extended-suspension/article23452810/|title=Leafs' Kadri 'embarrassed' by extended suspension|date=March 13, 2015|publisher=NHL |access-date=April 11, 2015}} One week later, Kadri was suspended by the NHL: he received four games for illegally checking Edmonton Oilers forward Matt Fraser in the head.{{cite web|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=758487|title=Kadri suspended four games for illegal check|date=March 18, 2015|publisher=NHL |access-date=April 11, 2015}} Despite these setbacks, Kadri recorded 39 points in 73 games to lead all Toronto centres in goals.

File:Capitals-Maple Leafs (34074944351).jpg in April 2017 during the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs]]

In the subsequent off-season, he signed a new one-year, $4.1 million contract with Toronto. On April 1, 2016, Kadri was fined $5,000 by the NHL for his second and third diving infractions of the season. The first came March 12 against the Ottawa Senators and the second March 21 against the Calgary Flames.{{cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/kadri-s-season-ends-with-whirlwind-few-weeks-1.464496|title=Kadri's season ends with whirlwind few weeks|last=Fisher|first=Ben|date=April 4, 2016|website=TSN.com|access-date=April 5, 2016}} On April 4, 2016, Kadri was again suspended by the NHL after he delivered a cross-check to the head of Detroit Red Wings centre Luke Glendening. Kadri received a four-game suspension for the incident, effectively ending his season, and as a repeat offender under the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement, he was also fined $200,000.{{cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/leafs-kadri-handed-four-game-suspension-1.464325|title=Leafs' Kadri handed four-game suspension|author=The Canadian Press|date=April 4, 2016|website=TSN|access-date= April 5, 2016}} Despite these misdemeanours, Kadri's play throughout the season was strongly praised by Leafs management, most notably head coach Mike Babcock and general manager Lou Lamoriello. Further, Kadri was heavily praised for his penalty drawing abilities; although he was always complimented on this skill, it received much more media attention this season, with Kadri setting a league-leading best 49 penalties drawn during the season. Additionally, Kadri led the Maple Leafs in various offensive categories, including points (45) and assists (28). On April 13, following the conclusion of Toronto's season, Kadri signed a new six-year, $27 million contract with the team.{{cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/maple-leafs-ink-rielly-kadri-to-six-year-deals-1.470894|title=Leafs lock up Kadri, Rielly to six-year deals|date=April 13, 2016|publisher=TSN|access-date=April 16, 2016}}

On January 23, 2017, in a game against the Calgary Flames, Kadri scored his 100th career NHL goal.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/cgy-vs-tor/2017/01/23/2016020710#game=2016020710 |title=Calgary Flames - Toronto Maple Leafs - January 23rd, 2017|website=NHL.com|language=en-us|access-date=2017-01-24}} During the Maple Leafs' first-round series with the back-to-back Presidents' Trophy-winning Washington Capitals in the 2017 playoffs, Kadri played approximately 95 minutes of ice time throughout the series when Toronto were at even strength to help push the series to six games.{{cite web|last1=Johnston|first1=Chris|title=Playoff loss to Capitals provides lessons for Maple Leafs' Nazem Kadri|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/playoff-loss-capitals-provides-lessons-maple-leafs-nazem-kadri/|website=sportsnet.ca|access-date=March 15, 2018|date=October 17, 2017}} He ended the series with two points, a goal and an assist, in all six games as Toronto were eliminated by the Capitals in six games.

During the 2017–18 season, Kadri scored his fourth career NHL hat-trick in a 6–3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on February 14, 2018.{{cite web|title=Kadri's hat trick, Andersen's 54 saves lifts Leafs over Jackets|url=https://www.tsn.ca/kadri-s-hat-trick-andersen-s-54-saves-lifts-leafs-over-jackets-1.999620|website=tsn.ca|access-date=March 15, 2018|location=Toronto|date=February 14, 2018}} During Toronto's first-round series in the 2018 playoffs against the third-seeded Boston Bruins, Kadri was suspended three games for a hit on Bruins’ forward Tommy Wingels in Game 1.{{cite web|title=Maple Leafs' Nazem Kadri suspended 3 games for hit on Wingels|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/maple-leafs-nazem-kadri-suspended-3-games-hit-wingels/|website=sportsnet.ca|access-date=April 13, 2018|date=April 13, 2018}} Toronto lost the series in seven games.

During Toronto's second consecutive first-round series against the third-seeded Boston Bruins in the 2019 playoffs, Kadri was suspended for the remainder of the first round for cross-checking Bruins’ forward Jake DeBrusk in Game 2.{{cite web|title=Leafs' Kadri suspended for the remainder of the first round|url=https://www.tsn.ca/leafs-kadri-suspended-for-the-remainder-of-the-first-round-1.1291242|website=tsn.ca|access-date=April 15, 2019|date=April 15, 2019}} The Maple Leafs lost the series in seven games, surrendering a 3–2 series lead in the process.

On July 1, 2019, Kadri (along with Calle Rosén and a third-round pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft) was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Tyson Barrie, Alexander Kerfoot and a sixth-round pick in 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/maple-leafs-trade-kadri-rosen-avalanche-barrie-kerfoot/|website=Sportsnet|title=Maple Leafs trade Kadri, Rosen to Avalanche for Barrie, Kerfoot|author=Ryan McKenna|date=July 1, 2019|access-date=July 1, 2019}} He found success with his new team, serving as their second-line center, recording 19 goals and 17 assists in his first 51 games, before missing the rest of the 2019–20 season due to a lower-body injury. The regular season was itself prematurely ended by three weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, with the 2020 playoffs held later in the summer in a bubble in Edmonton, Canada at Rogers Place. Kadri rejoined the team for the playoffs and played a major role in the team's victories in the qualifying round and the first round. Colorado eventually lost to the Dallas Stars in the second round in seven games.{{cite web |title=Kadri's Talent on Display During Avs' Playoff Run |url=https://www.nhl.com/avalanche/news/nazem-kadris-talent-on-display-during-avs-playoff-run/c-318616986 |last=Knabenbauer |first=Ron |publisher= National Hockey League |access-date=May 4, 2022 |date=August 19, 2020}}

With the pandemic still ongoing, the NHL revised its format for a shortened 2020–21 season, with teams exclusively playing within their divisions. Kadri had 11 goals and 21 assists in all 56 games played, while the Avalanche enjoyed an excellent season and won the Presidents' Trophy as the best team in the league, narrowly prevailing over rivals the Vegas Golden Knights.{{cite web |title=Avalanche win Presidents' Trophy for third time in franchise history |url=https://nhl.nbcsports.com/2021/05/13/colorado-avalanche-win-presidents-trophy-for-third-time-in-franchise-history/ |last=Gretz |first=Adam |work= NBC Sports |access-date=May 4, 2022 |date=May 13, 2021}} Entering the 2021 playoffs as one of the favourites, the Avalanche swept the St. Louis Blues in the first round. However, Kadri was suspended for eight games after an illegal hit to the head of Blues defenseman Justin Faulk in game two of the first-round playoff series.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/colorado-avalanche-f-kadri-suspended-eight-games-for-illegal-check-to-head-1.1643605|title=Avs' Kadri suspended eight games for illegal check to head|work=The Canadian Press|date=May 21, 2021 |publisher=TSN|accessdate=May 21, 2021}} Kadri appealed the suspension, which was upheld by the league.{{cite web |title=Avalanche's Kadri has eight-game suspension upheld after appeal |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/avalanches-kadri-eight-game-suspension-upheld-appeal/ |website=Sportsnet.ca |access-date=June 1, 2021 |date=May 31, 2021}} Kadri would not return to the 2021 playoffs as the last game of his suspension coincided with Colorado's elimination in the second round in six games by the Vegas Golden Knights. He later reflected on the situation, saying "I hate letting people down, I do. And when I looked up from the ice and saw Justin lying there…I knew what was coming. I knew. When I was sitting in the penalty box, my mind was just spinning. I was frustrated with myself."{{cite web |title=Kadri reflects on past playoff infractions: 'I made a mistake' |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/kadri-reflects-on-past-playoff-infractions-i-made-a-mistake/ |last=Sadler |first=Emily |website=Sportsnet.ca |access-date=May 4, 2022 |date=May 4, 2022}}

For the 2021–22 season, the NHL returned to its normal competition structure. It would be Kadri's best season to date, as he scored 28 goals and recorded 59 assists, setting new bests in assists and total points. For the first time in his career, he scored over a point per game. Before sustaining an upper-body injury in March, Kadri had been on pace to hit the 100-point threshold for the first time in his career. He missed eight games but returned for the final games of the regular season and the Avalanche finished the season as a team as the top seed in the West and the Presidents’ Trophy runner-up to the Florida Panthers.{{cite web |title=Avalanche's Nazem Kadri plans to return against Kraken after missing 8 games with injury |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3500323/2022/04/20/avalanches-nazem-kadri-plans-to-return-against-kraken-after-missing-8-games-with-injury/ |website=The Athletic |access-date=May 4, 2022 |date=April 20, 2022}} Kadri again found himself at the center of controversy when, in Game 3 of the Avalanche's 2022 playoff second-round series against the Blues, he collided with Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington while charging the net front. As a result, Binnington was forced to exit the game with a lower-body injury and sit out the remainder of the series. The Avalanche, behind at the time, won the game. Blues head coach Craig Berube, when asked about the incident, said only "Look at Kadri's reputation. That's all I've got to say." Kadri denied that he had intended to injure Binnington, while Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar insisted it was an accident resulting from a collision between Kadri and Blues defenceman Calle Rosén.{{cite web |title=Nasty on and off the ice, Blues-Avalanche series picking up steam |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/nasty-on-and-off-ice-blues-avalanche-series-picking-up-steam/ |last=Wiebe |first=Ken |website=Sportsnet |access-date=May 22, 2022 |date=May 22, 2022}} Binnington was alleged by Kadri to have hurled a water bottle at him during an on-camera interview after the game.{{cite web |title=Avalanche's Kadri thinks Binnington threw water bottle at him in TV interview |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/avalanches-kadri-thinks-binnington-threw-water-bottle-at-him/ |website=Sportsnet |access-date=May 22, 2022 |date=May 21, 2022}} As a result of the incident, Kadri received numerous racist and Islamophobic threats on social media by Blues fans, to the point that the matter was referred to the city police. Despite this, in Game 4 he scored his first career playoff hat-trick, leading the Avalanche to a 3–1 edge in the series.{{cite web |title=Kadri's hat trick leads Avalanche past Blues in Game 4, take 3-1 series lead |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/kadris-hat-trick-leads-avalanche-past-blues-in-game-4-take-3-1-series-lead/ |website=Sportsnet |access-date=May 24, 2022 |date=May 24, 2022}} Blues forward David Perron was later fined for cross-checking Kadri during the game.{{cite web |title=NHL fines David Perron $5K for cross-checking Nazem Kadri in Game 4 |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/nhl-fines-david-perron-5k-for-cross-checking-nazem-kadri-in-game-4/ |website=Sportsnet |access-date=May 24, 2022 |date=May 24, 2022}} The Avalanche won the series, advancing to the Western Conference Final for the first time in twenty years.{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3337971/2022/05/28/nhl-results-scores-10/ |title=NHL playoffs results daily: Darren Helm calls game over, Avs solve second round |last=Gentille |first=Sean |website=The Athletic |date=May 28, 2022 |access-date=May 28, 2022}} In Game 3 of the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers, Kadri was injured after being cross-checked into the boards by Oilers forward Evander Kane, and Bednar announced that he would miss the rest of the series "if not longer."{{cite web |title=Avalanche's Kadri out 'at least' the rest of the series after hit from Kane |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/avalanches-kadri-leaves-ice-after-hit-from-oilers-kane/ |website=Sportsnet |access-date=June 5, 2022 |date=June 4, 2022}} Kadri underwent thumb surgery.{{cite web |title=Avalanche's Kadri has thumb surgery following hit from Oilers' Kane |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/avalanches-kadri-has-thumb-surgery-following-hit-from-oilers-kane/ |website=Sportsnet |access-date=June 7, 2022 |date=June 6, 2022}} Defying initial expectations, Kadri returned to play in Game 4 of the Avalanche's Stanley Cup Finals series against the two time defending Stanley Cup champion and Tampa Bay Lightning, scoring the game-winning overtime goal.{{cite web |title=Kadri pots OT winner in return from injury as Avs push Bolts to brink in Stanley Cup final |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/nhl-2022-stanley-cup-colorado-avalanche-tampa-bay-lightning-recap-june-22-1.6498342 |last=Goodall |first=Fred |website=CBC Sports |access-date=June 23, 2022 |date=June 22, 2022}} The Avalanche would go on to win series in six games to clinch the Cup. Kadri's status as the first Muslim player to win, as well as the sport's most famous Muslim player, attracted attention afterward.

As a result of his strong play throughout the final season of his contract, there was considerable discussion around Kadri's next contract, with many speculating that he would be too expensive for the Avalanche to re-sign under the salary cap.{{cite web |title=Potential Destinations and Contracts for the NHL's Top 6 UFAs |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10040095-potential-destinations-and-contracts-for-the-nhls-top-6-ufas |last=Fitzsimmons |first=Lyle |website=The Bleacher Report |access-date=June 30, 2022 |date=June 28, 2022}}{{cite web |title=Five Stanley Cup Final free agents your team should want |url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/five-stanley-cup-final-free-agents-your-team-should-want |last=Kennedy |first=Ryan |website=The Hockey News |access-date=June 30, 2022 |date=June 30, 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3390300/2022/06/29/lebrun-rumbling-unrestricted-free-agents/ |title=What Anthony Duclair's injury means for Florida's pending unrestricted free agents |last=LeBrun |first=Pierre |website=The Athletic |date=June 29, 2022 |access-date=June 30, 2022}} Kadri, for his part, said that he desired to return to Colorado, but added "I've shown what my worth is and I'm just looking forward to watching this all develop."{{cite web |title=Kadri wants to return to Avalanche, but says 'I've shown what my worth is' |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/kadri-wants-to-return-to-avalanche-but-says-ive-shown-what-my-worth-is/ |website=Sportsnet |access-date=June 30, 2022 |date=June 29, 2022}}

File:Calgary Flames at Seattle Kraken - November 4, 2023 - Nazem Kadri and Justin Schultz (53311200257).jpg of the Seattle Kraken in November 2023.]]

On August 18, 2022, Kadri signed as a free agent to a seven-year, $49 million contract with the Calgary Flames.{{cite web|title=Kadri signs seven-year, $49 million contract with Flames|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nazem-kadri-signs-seven-year-contract-with-flames/c-335317582?tid=281072352|website=NHL.com|accessdate=August 18, 2022|date=August 18, 2022}}

{{MedalTableTop|name = no | image:Nkadri.jpg|160px|Kadri with the Canadian national junior ice hockey team in 2010}}

{{MedalCountry|{{ih|CAN}}}}

{{MedalSport|Ice hockey}}

{{MedalCompetition|World Junior Championships}}

{{MedalSilver | 2010 Saskatoon | }}

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Kadri played for Team Ontario at the 2007 Canada Winter Games, where they won a gold medal.{{cite web|title=Player Profile Nazem Kadri|url=http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php?ci_id=11737&la_id=1&ss_id=25001&player_id=10337|access-date=2010-01-17|publisher=Hockey Canada}} He first represented Canada at the 2007 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, where the team finished fourth. Kadri was invited to Canada's selection camp for the 2010 World Junior Championships held in Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan. After being cut in 2009, Kadri was selected to represent Canada in 2010. In Canada's preliminary round game against the United States, Kadri was one of the players selected for the shootout, scoring on goaltender Jack Campbell to help Canada secure the victory.{{cite news|title=Shootouts not for faint of heart|url=http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2010/01/01/12317681-qmi.html|access-date=2010-01-21|date=2010-01-01|author=Fisher, Scott|newspaper=Toronto Sun|archive-date=June 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606084517/http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2010/01/01/12317681-qmi.html|url-status=dead}}

During the tournament, Kadri recorded three goals and five assists.{{cite web|title=2010 Team Canada Stats|url=https://www.tsn.ca/world_jrs/feature/?id=14060|access-date=2010-01-18|publisher=TSN}} During the tournament, Kadri attracted attention for his refusal to shake hands with Switzerland's Nino Niederreiter after their semi-final game. Kadri did not elaborate on the specifics of what caused his refusal, but did absolve Niederreiter of using an ethnic slur: "Obviously, in big games like that, guys tend to lose their composure a bit, but I didn't take offence to anything he said. It was just that I felt like I didn't have to shake his hand."{{cite web|title=Canada's Kadri stays quiet on refusal to shake Niederreiter's hand|url=https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/juniorhockey/news?slug=capress-hko_world_jrnotebook-023642026&prov=capress&type=lgns|access-date=2010-01-18|date=2010-01-04|author=Beacon, Bill and Donna Spencer|publisher=The Canadian Press}} Kadri later had second thoughts about his refusal, stating, "I regret it a little bit."{{cite news|title=Kadri regrets reactions to Swiss|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/kadri-regrets-reactions-to-swiss/article1206851/|access-date=2018-01-24|date=2010-01-04|author=Sekeres, Matthew|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|location=Toronto}} During the gold medal game against the United States, Kadri had two assists including one on Jordan Eberle's game-tying goal with 1:35 left in the third period.{{cite web|title=U.S. CAPTURES GOLD AT JUNIOR HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP WITH 6–5 OT WIN OVER CANADA|url=http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/69849/la_id/1.htm|access-date=2010-01-17|date=2010-01-05|publisher=The Canadian Press}} However, Canada lost the game in overtime, leaving Kadri and his teammates with the silver medal.

Kadri is named after his grandfather.{{cite news|author1=Curtis Rush|author2=Kevin McGran|title=Kadri's grandfather laid groundwork for his NHL success|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/2013/12/05/kadris_grandfather_laid_groundwork_for_his_nhl_success.html|access-date=11 December 2017|newspaper=Toronto Star|date=5 December 2013}} He is also Muslim. Kadri was the first Muslim drafted by the Maple Leafs, and the highest drafted Muslim in NHL history until being surpassed by 2012 first overall pick Nail Yakupov.{{cite news|title=Maple Leafs get role model|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/article/657637|access-date=2010-01-18|date=2009-06-27|author=McGran, Kevin|newspaper=Toronto Star}} In high school, Kadri served as a member of his school's Muslim Student Association. Kadri is the fourth player of Lebanese descent to play in the NHL, following John Hanna, Alain Nasreddine and Ed Hatoum.{{cite web|title=Kadri's background as unique as his skill|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=425702|access-date=2010-01-18|date=2009-06-16|author=Kimelman, Adam|publisher=National Hockey League}}

In July 2018, Kadri married his fiancée Ashley Cave at Casa Loma in Toronto.{{cite news |last1=Hornby |first1=Lance |title=Leafs hope summer sessions lead to long spring |url=https://torontosun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/leafs-hope-summer-sessions-lead-to-long-spring |access-date=August 6, 2018 |newspaper=Toronto Sun |date=July 31, 2018}} They had their first child together, a daughter named Naylah, in July 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/NazemKadriFoundation/community|title=Nazem Kadri Foundation|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2019-10-25}}{{cite web |last1=Archuleta |first1=Nadia |title=Colorado Avalanche: 5 Interesting and Fun Facts about Nazem Kadri |url=https://milehighsticking.com/2019/07/22/colorado-avalanche-5-interesting-and-fun-facts-about-nazem-kadri/ |website=milehighsticking.com |access-date=October 25, 2019 |date=July 22, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/ashleykadri/|title=░A░s░h░l░e░y░ ░K░a░d░r░i░ 🇧🇷 (@ashleykadri) • Instagram photos and videos|website=www.instagram.com|language=en|access-date=2019-10-25}}

In June 2020, Kadri became an inaugural executive board member of the Hockey Diversity Alliance, whose goal is to address intolerance and racism in hockey.{{cite web |url=https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/1981141 |title=Sharks' Kane: NHL doesn't market minority players enough |last=Wegman |first=Josh |publisher=theScore |date=June 30, 2020}}

Kadri was awarded the Key to the City of London, Ontario on 27 August 2022 by Mayor of London Ed Holder.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx5fKWbNLj4|title= Nazem Kadri, 1st Muslim NHL player to win Stanley Cup, brings it home to London mosque |last=Global News|date=27 August 2022|via=YouTube}}{{cite web |url=https://london.ctvnews.ca/nazem-kadri-shares-stanley-cup-with-hometown-of-london-ont-1.6045002 |title=Nazem Kadri shares Stanley Cup with hometown of London, Ont. |last=Lale |first=Brent |date=27 August 2022 |website=CTV News London |access-date=27 August 2022 }}{{cite web |title=Nazem Kadri receives key to the city in his hometown of London |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/video/nazem-kadri-receives-key-city-hometown-london/ |website=Sportsnet |date=27 August 2022 |access-date=27 August 2022 |language=en}}

{{reflist}}

• {{Ice hockey stats}}
• {{Twitter|43_Kadri}}
• Muslim Heritage information pertaining to his NHL Career at [https://www.thenational.ae/sport/nhl-muslim-nazem-kadri-is-emerging-from-the-background-as-one-of-the-best-1.463789 TheNational.ae]

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{{succession box | before = Luke Schenn | title = Toronto Maple Leafs first round draft pick | years = 2009 | after = Tyler Biggs}}

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Category:1990 births

Category:Living people

Category:Calgary Flames players

Category:Canadian ice hockey centres

Category:Canadian Muslims

Category:Canadian people of Lebanese descent

Category:Colorado Avalanche players

Category:Canadian expatriate ice hockey players in the United States

Category:Ice hockey people from London, Ontario

Category:Kitchener Rangers players

Category:London Knights players

Category:NHL first-round draft picks

Category:Sportspeople of Lebanese descent

Category:Stanley Cup champions

Category:Toronto Maple Leafs draft picks

Category:Toronto Maple Leafs players

Category:Toronto Marlies players

Category:21st-century Canadian sportsmen