Nazem Kadri Bio
Nazem Kadri is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is a centre and alternate captain for the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League (NHL). Kadri won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, becoming the first Muslim player to hoist the trophy. Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs seventh overall in the 2009 NHL entry draft, Kadri has made significant contributions to his teams and has represented Canada internationally.
Early Life and Background
Nazem Kadri was born on October 6, 1990, in London, Ontario, Canada. He is the second of five children and the only son of Samir and Suhayla Kadri. His grandparents immigrated from Kfar Danis, a mixed Muslim-Christian village in Lebanon. Samir Kadri, Nazem’s father, had aspirations of playing hockey during his youth but could not afford it. When Nazem was born, Samir ensured that his son would have the opportunity to pursue the sport. Kadri began ice skating at the age of two and joined his first hockey team at four. By the age of six, he was competing at an elite level. The Kadri family supported the Montreal Canadiens despite living near Toronto. Kadri excelled in various sports during his school years, including hockey, basketball, and volleyball. He attended Jack Chambers Public School and later A. B. Lucas Secondary School. By the end of high school, he was confident about being selected in the NHL draft. He also played minor ice hockey in the London Jr. Knights system, where he served as team captain at multiple levels.
Path to Hockey
Kadri began his Ontario Hockey League (OHL) career with the Kitchener Rangers after being selected in the first round, 18th overall, of the 2006 OHL Priority Selection. In his second season, he played 68 games, recording 25 goals and 40 assists. He helped the Rangers win the OHL Championship and reach the Memorial Cup final, where they lost to the Spokane Chiefs. After the 2007–08 season, Kadri was traded to the London Knights, his hometown team. He played 56 games for the Knights in the 2008–09 season, recording 25 goals and 53 assists. Kadri was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round, seventh overall, of the 2009 NHL entry draft. He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the club on July 6, 2009. After being cut from the Maple Leafs, Kadri returned to play for the Knights in the OHL. He was selected to represent Team OHL in the 2009 Subway Super Series and was also chosen for the OHL All-Star Classic.
Nazem Kadri Career
Early Career (2010–2019)
Kadri made his NHL debut on February 8, 2010, against the San Jose Sharks. He recorded his first NHL point on November 16, 2010, with an assist against the Nashville Predators. Kadri scored his first NHL goal on March 19, 2011, against the Boston Bruins. He was named to the AHL All-Star Game in 2012 and signed a new two-year contract with Toronto in September 2013. During the 2013–14 season, he set career highs in goals and points, scoring 20 goals and recording 50 points. In the 2014–15 season, Kadri faced suspensions but still managed to lead all Toronto centres in goals. He signed a new one-year contract in the subsequent off-season and continued to be a key player for the Maple Leafs, leading the team in various offensive categories. On January 23, 2017, he scored his 100th career NHL goal.
Breakthrough (2019–2022)
On July 1, 2019, Kadri was traded to the Colorado Avalanche. He found success with his new team, recording 19 goals and 17 assists in his first 51 games. Kadri played a significant role in the Avalanche’s playoff run, although he faced challenges due to injuries and suspensions. The 2021–22 season marked Kadri’s best performance, as he scored 28 goals and recorded 59 assists, setting new career highs. In the playoffs, Kadri played a crucial role in the Avalanche’s journey to the Stanley Cup, scoring a game-winning overtime goal in the finals. The Avalanche won the championship, and Kadri made history as the first Muslim player to win the Stanley Cup.
Notable Works and Milestones
Kadri’s signature work includes his contributions to the Colorado Avalanche’s Stanley Cup victory in 2022. He has received recognition for his performance, particularly in the playoffs, where he demonstrated resilience and skill.
Nazem Kadri Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Nazem Kadri has received several nominations, highlighting his impact in the NHL and his contributions to his teams.
Nazem Kadri Awards Won
Nazem Kadri won the Stanley Cup in 2022, marking a significant achievement in his career.
Nazem Kadri Family
Nazem Kadri is married to Ashley Cave, and they welcomed their first child, a daughter named Naylah, in July 2019.
Personal Life
Kadri is named after his grandfather and is a practicing Muslim. He has been involved in initiatives to promote diversity in hockey, serving as an inaugural executive board member of the Hockey Diversity Alliance. In August 2022, he was awarded the Key to the City of London, Ontario, by the mayor.
