Nazem Kadri injury update: Avalanche advances through remainder of West Finals after being hit by Oilers’ Evander Kane

by


The Avalanche are one game away from the Stanley Cup Final. They will try to get there without one of their biggest stars.

Center Nazem Kadri was eliminated from Game 3 of the Western Conference finals against the Oilers on Saturday. A little over a minute into the game, Oilers forward Evander Kane sent Kadri flying into the boards with a crossover control. Kadri appeared to suffer an upper body injury and collapsed on the ice before being helped to the locker room.

Kane was given a major five-minute tackle, but was also not given a misconduct in the game, despite Kadri’s apparent injury.

MORE: Why wasn’t Kane ejected for hitting Kadri?

Kadri did not return to the game and will not return to the ice for some time. Avalanche coach Jared Bednar ruled Kadri out for at least the rest of this series.

The Sporting News has you covered on all things Kadri’s injury, including a potential timetable for his return and his injury history.

How long is Nazem Kadri out?

Kadri appeared to suffer an upper body injury after he was controlled by Evander Kane and fell onto the boards. The injury will keep Kadri out for the remainder of the Western Conference finals, according to Avalanche coach Jared Bednar, who added that Kadri could face a longer stint on the sidelines.

The forward had surgery to repair an injured thumb. A comeback during these playoffs isn’t out of the equation, but it’s unlikely.

Nazem Kadri’s Injury History

Kadri has stayed pretty healthy throughout his career. He played all 56 games in the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season, putting up 32 points. He was on pace for a 100-point season in 2021-22 before missing eight games with an upper-body injury. He, too, missed 19 games in the pandemic-shortened 2019-20 season with a lower-body injury but returned for the playoffs.

This season was Kadri’s most prolific by far: the 2009 Maple Leafs first-round pick amassed 28 goals and 87 points in 71 games. He finished 15th in the league in points. His previous career high was 61 with Toronto in 2016-17.

Which players can fill the Nazem Kadri void?

The Avalanche are one of the deepest teams in the NHL. They lost Andre Burakovsky and Darcy Kuemper during their playoff run. They have still been able to run to a 3-0 lead over Edmonton.

A big reason for Colorado’s victory in Game 3 was center JT Compher. Compher replaced Kadri after he left the ice, slipping between Mikko Rantanen and Arturri Lehkonen on the second row.

The six-year veteran made the most of his increased ice time, winning seven matchups and taking three shots. Compher also scored the game-winner, beating Mike Smith to give the Avalanche a 3-2 lead. Colorado went on to win 4-2.




Reference-www.sportingnews.com

Leave a Comment