Despite not receiving an invitation to Hockey Canada’s upcoming national team orientation camp, 16-year NHL veteran and Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri believes he should still be considered for its roster at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

“I feel like I deserve a chance,” Kadri told The Athletic 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.”

Forty-two other NHLers are slated to attend a three-day, off-ice camp from Aug. 26-28 in Calgary. There, as Hockey Canada executive Scott Salmond said in a release, they will “kick off the road to Italy.” Earlier this month, Kadri not-so-cryptically dropped three question marks in the comment section of a social media post announcing the news.

“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.”

Nazem Kadri comments on being left off Canada’s Orientation Camp roster.

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Kadri scored 35 goals and registered 67 points for the Flames in 2024-25, appearing in all 82 regular-season games as the team was eliminated from playoff contention during the final week. The 34-year-old forward has led Calgary in points for the last two seasons, and was tied for third in his first season there in 2022-23. Kadri joined the Flames on a seven-year, $49 million contract after stops with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche. He is now 15 games away from 1,000 in his career, having made his debut during the 2009-10 season.

“I (had a) career high in goals last year,” said Kadri, who last suited up for Team Canada in international competition at the 2014 World Championship. “I’m playing some of my best hockey. I feel good. I take pride in looking after myself and making sure, medically and physically, that everything’s balanced and in line. I put in a lot of hours and a lot of time and effort to make sure I’m prepared. I’m just a competitive guy and when that puck drops, it’s game on.”

Asked if he thought his social media comment would hurt — or even help — his chances of ultimately being considered for Team Canada next year, Kadri responded: “Who cares?”

He continued: “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.”

Kadri spoke to The Athletic in advance of the Hockey Diversity Alliance’s inaugural “Summer Fest” event, to be held in Toronto on Saturday. Described by the HDA as the “world’s largest youth BIPOC road hockey tournament,” the event will feature 250 children from marginalized communities throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Kadri will be among several HDA members participating, along with founder Akim Aliu, retired NHL forward Wayne Simmonds and Islanders forward Anthony Duclair. Social activists and former NFL stars Marshawn Lynch and Colin Kaepernick are also expected to be present, bringing an even bigger spotlight to the festivities at Canoe Landing Park.

“The afternoon session will be great for the kids,” Kadri said. “It’s almost like a carnival-type setup. Great for families and young kids. Should have a couple of celebrities as well.”

Back in Calgary, it’s not just the Canadian roster that will draw eyes. Barring a trade before the puck drops on the 2025-26 season, the spotlight figures to shine brightly on one of Kadri’s Flames teammates: Rasmus Andersson, the 28-year-old Swedish defenseman who has been mired in trade rumors. Andersson is entering the final year of a six-year, $27.30 million deal and could become a free agent next summer. Andersson scored 11 goals and 31 points in 81 games last season, and has scored 47 goals and 231 points in 536 career games with the Flames.

The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun previously reported Andersson had ranked the Golden Knights highest on his trade wish list. Kadri, however, hopes to see his teammate stick around in Flames colors.

“Obviously, that’s between him and the team. That’s their business,” Kadri said. “But for me, (Rasmus) is a great player. He’s a great friend. I’d love to see him stick around. But at the end of the day I think every player has faced, at some point in their career, a big decision they’ve got to make. I think he’s at that point now.

“Obviously, I’d love to continue to have him on my team. He’s one of our top defensemen, of course. He’s been a long-time Flame. He’s spent a lot of time out in Calgary. I know he enjoys the city. It’s between them now. I expect to see him, obviously, at training camp, and I’m sure he’ll be ready to go.”