Colorado Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri will sit out “some games” after suffering a finger injury in Tuesday’s 3-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues.1 Head coach Jared Bednar confirmed the nature of the injury and expressed hope that Kadri could return to the lineup before the playoffs begin, potentially as early as next week.2 With just five regular-season games remaining, including Thursday’s matchup against the Calgary Flames, the timing adds some uncertainty but little panic for the top-seeded Avalanche.
Kadri, 35, has been a key addition since his trade deadline reunion with Colorado from the Flames on March 6. The veteran center has posted four goals and five assists in 16 games, providing depth and grit to the lineup.Our recent analysis of the blockbuster trade highlighted how his return bolsters the Avalanche’s championship aspirations, much like his role in their 2022 Stanley Cup win.
Circumstances of the injury
Kadri blocked a couple of shots early in the second period against the Blues before missing most of the frame.3 He did not return for the third period as Colorado secured the win, clinching the top seed in the Western Conference.
Bednar provided an initial update, saying, “Give it a day or two and we should know more, sort of figure out what his pain tolerance is… I’m sure it’s something he may or may not be able to play through, but we’ll take it day by day and see how it goes.”2
No firm timetable has been set, but reports indicate Kadri is likely to miss the next few games.4 The Avalanche face Calgary on Thursday, followed by four more contests before the postseason.
This marks the second notable absence for Colorado’s top forwards recently, with defenseman Cale Makar also sidelined by an upper-body injury, missing his fifth straight game. Makar practiced in a non-contact jersey on Thursday.
The blocked shots highlight Kadri’s commitment on the penalty kill, a role where he has excelled since rejoining the team.
Kadri’s performance since the trade
In 16 games post-trade, Kadri has notched nine points, including timely goals that have stabilized the middle-six.1 His physical play and faceoff prowess (over 52% win rate) have been crucial.
The reunion with Colorado echoes his 2022 Cup run, where he tallied 15 goals in 21 playoff games. Fans recall his hat trick in Game 4 against these same Blues.
Post-deadline playoff projections on our site noted Kadri’s fit perfectly with the Avalanche’s style.
His $5.6 million cap hit fits seamlessly, allowing flexibility amid injuries.
Kadri’s leadership in the room adds intangible value as playoffs near.
Avalanche’s dominant position
Colorado has clinched the Central Division and the No. 1 seed in the West. A win over Calgary clinches the Presidents’ Trophy for the NHL’s best regular-season record.
With the best record in the conference locked, there’s no rush to bring Kadri back prematurely.4 Playoff prep takes priority.
The schedule includes:
- Thursday at Calgary Flames
- Home vs. Anaheim Ducks
- At Dallas Stars
- Home vs. Vegas Golden Knights
- Final game vs. Minnesota Wild
Joel Kiviranta is expected to step in Thursday.1
This luxury allows careful management of health.
Historical context and resilience
Kadri has a history of bouncing back from hand injuries. The last time he dealt with a similar issue, he returned to score one of the biggest goals in Avalanche history during the playoffs.2
In 2022, despite a thumb injury in the Western Conference Final, he played through pain and contributed to the Cup.
Experts urge caution: “The Avalanche don’t need to take any chances with Nazem Kadri and his finger injury; he should sit until the NHL playoffs begin.”2
His playoff pedigree—87 points in 97 games—speaks volumes.
Fans remember his buzzer-beater against St. Louis in the bubble.
This injury tests that toughness again.
The Avalanche roster depth, tested now, shines in such moments.
Teammate absences and lineup adjustments
Cale Makar remains out with an upper-body issue, skating in a red non-contact sweater.
His absence marks five games, impacting power play.
Youngsters like Kiviranta and Zakhar Bardakov may see increased roles.
Bednar’s day-by-day approach applies here too.
Veterans like Valeri Nichushkin (two goals vs. Blues) step up.
Depth was a deadline focus, paying off now.
As the regular season winds down, the Avalanche’s health management will define their Cup repeat chances. Kadri’s anticipated return before playoffs keeps optimism high, with the team’s seeding secure and momentum building. Expect cautious optimism from Denver as they eye another deep run.1
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.