Has Flames star Nazem Kadri gone pass-happy? Why all the assists?

Nobody is claiming that Nazem Kadri is suddenly a pass-first sort. Article content

Shooters shoot, as the saying goes. And Kadri is definitely a shooter. Article content Article content

If you follow the Calgary Flames, though, you’ve likely noticed his season stat-sheet is heavily tilted in favour of assists.

Of Kadri’s team-leading 28 points so far, 22 are helpers.

At roughly 79 per cent, that’s the most lopsided setups-to-snipes ratio of his NHL career. The star centre — now a silver-sticker after hitting the 1,000-game plateau last month — has never finished a full season above 68 per cent.

“What, you think he’s passing more?” teased Flames defenceman Rasmus Andersson, a guy who never misses an opportunity for a friendly chirp. “No, he’s shooting and it’s rebounds. He has, l