'RUN THIS THING BACK'

When making such a critical life decision, it's important to do your homework.
Nazem Kadri certainly did that. But he also had some help.
From the 'inside.'
"They were raving about Calgary at every opportunity," the newest Flame said of his former Avalanche teammates, Cale Makar and Logan O'Connor. "And rightfully so."
Just last week, you may recall the pair speeding down the Bow River with help from the Calgary Fire Department - their flowing locks and the glint of Lord Stanley basking in the sultry, summer heat.
Not a bad sales pitch.

"(Calgary) is a great community and they're both great people, and that's how I know the city of Calgary is full of great people - passionate people - because I see that in their personalities.
"Cale messaged me right after I signed, wished me the best and asked if I needed any advice on anything in the city. Obviously, he's a great friend of mine and he's excited about coming for the home-opener as well, so hopefully we can get it done that night."
Indeed, it won't be long before Kadri has a chance to renew pleasantries. His old pack will visit the Scotiabank Saddledome on Oct. 13 to open the new season and officially close an important chapter of his career. But in listening to him speak, connecting with the media for the first time via Zoom Friday, it's clear he's already turned the page.
He's been a member of his new squad for less than 24 hours, but words like "we" and "us" have already replaced "they" and "them," raving about the team's potential and flashing a smile when mentioning he was already a member of the exclusive player group chat.

As much as Kadri promises to be a great fit for the Flames, the Flames - and the city of Calgary - are clearly a great fit for him.
"I've visited Calgary multiple times as a visiting player and I've always admired the C of Red," Kadri said. "That's something that I think is going to be a nice transition - (the fans) embracing me and welcoming me.
"I'm certainly their kind of player."
Kadri, who lands in the Stampede City on a seven-year, $49M contract, is one of the top two-way pivots in the league. To snag him, the Flames had to part ways with longtime centre Sean Monahan in a separate deal with the Montreal Canadiens, but that was the cost of adding this kind of elite talent to the roster in the cap era.
With Elias Lindholm, Kadri and Mikael Backlund as your top three centres, it's easy to see why the Flames are now considered one of the strongest and most versatile teams down the middle.
And, you may recall, Head Coach Darryl Sutter has long argued that this is the Key to the Highway.
"It's not easy losing your two best players and that was something that I'm sure a lot of people were concerned about," Kadri said, describing the work of GM Brad Treliving as a "great rebound" after losing Johnny Gaudreau to free agency, and trading Matthew Tkachuk to Florida for Jonathan Huberdeau, MacKenzie Weegar and other key parts.
"I looked up and down the lineup and at the centre ice position, specifically, we can match up with anybody. Then, you look at the D corps and obviously a great goaltender.
"Definitely things to propel yourself to some success.
"It's been a fun ride so far."

At 31, Kadri is coming off a career year that saw him reach the "pinnacle" of the sport. He scored 28 goals and set a new high-water mark in points with 87, before adding another 15 points (8G, 7A) in 16 playoff games.
But winning it all has done little to quench that competitive desire. Winners want to keep that feeling for as long as possible and help others experience it, too.
And the Flames?
Well, they have a little something to prove this year, too.
"It's that addictive feeling of winning, of getting to the playoffs, of playing meaningful games and scoring meaningful goals. That's always something you cherish as a hockey player," Kadri said. "I want to win.
"I'm looking to run this thing back and I think Calgary certainly has a great, great chance for that."