Flames' Nazem Kadri pissed off over Team Canada training camp snub

Nazem Kadri is heading into next season with a chip on his shoulder.

The Calgary Flames center was not invited to Team Canada's Olympic training camp, and feels like hockey Canada is making a huge mistake. 42 players were invited to orientation camp earlier in August, however, Kadri was left behind and now seems like making Team Canada is not in the cards, regardless of how well he plays next season in Calgary.

"I feel like I deserve a chance," Kadri told The Athletic's Julian MacKenzie on Thursday. "I think over the last few seasons, I've certainly proven that with my statistics and the winning pedigree. I think it speaks for itself."

"Honestly, man, it would be an absolute dream come true to somehow crack that team," Kadri said. "I've been a long shot before. I'm looking forward to giving myself an opportunity, but I understand I'm going to have to play well."

Kadri didn't hold back when Team Canada decided to post about the camp on social media, as he even commented "???" on their Instagram post, showcasing his frustration about not getting the call. "Who cares?" he said. "It could help, or hurt, I'm not quite sure. It's not as serious as most people thought it was. I just thought I'd create a little stir. Like I mentioned, I would absolutely love to be on that team. I think I should be in consideration."

The Olympic roster will be finalized early 2026, and it's the first time NHL players will be playing since 2014. For now, it appears Kadri making the team is an absolute long shot, and he doesn't feel that should have been the case at all.

Photo credit: Bob Lee, Imagn Images