Avs announced surgery for Kadri, but won't officially shut him down for the playoffs
After being hit from behind by Evander Kane, Colorado Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri was spotted in a cast following Game 3. At the time, Avs Head Coach Jared Bednar ruled Kadri out for the rest of the Western Conference Final and possibly longer.
Kadri returned to Denver after Game 3 and had surgery today to repair his thumb, which was likely broken after the hit. It has been reported that he is likely done for the playoffs, but the Avalanche are not officially saying he is ruled out.
It is good and bad news for the Avs and Kadri as the injury could've been much worse from the hit, but the Avs are also down their second line center for the foreseeable future. Coming off of a career regular season and having the best postseason of his career, it's a huge blow for Kadri and the Avs and their Stanley Cup hopes. Kadri was coming off of a 3-point night in Game 2 where he assisted on all 3 Avs goals that were scored in just over 2 minutes.
At the time of his injury, Kadri was in the top-10 in points in the playoffs. He would've been in the conversation, although probably a long shot, for the Conn Smythe had he remained healthy and if the Avs make the Finals. The Avalanche, thankfully, have enough forward depth to minimize the impact of losing Kadri, but they will have to replace his production by way of committee.
Should the Avalanche get a week or so off before the Cup final or have their series with the Oilers extended, the chances of Kadri returning midway or late into the series increases. This time of year, players play through all kinds of injuries. You name it, it's played through. The issue for Kadri is how well he will be able to grip his stick with a brace and a surgically repaired, weakened thumb if he returns. All signs point to him being done, but since the Avs will not confirm that, there appears to be a slim chance that he could be back.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 6 | 330 ANSWERS Avs announced surgery for Kadri, but won't officially shut him down for the playoffs Will Kadri return in the Finals if his surgically repaired thumb will allow it? | ||
| Yes | 217 | 65.8 % |
| No | 113 | 34.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
