Mikko Rantanen shares an update on Nazem Kadri ahead of the Stanley Cup Finals

Just a few days after the injury, Kadri had surgery to repair the damage to his thumb and while the Avalanche said he was out indefinitely, they did not say he was out for the remainder of the playoffs.

During his media availability on Monday, Avs winger Mikko Rantanen was asked about Kadri and revealed to reporters that Kadri was "looking good". Does it mean he is close to returning? Probably not, but if the series goes 6 or 7 games it wouldn't be as shocking to see Kadri in the lineup in some capacity with a brace of some sort.

For him to return, it would depend on his ability to hold a stick, stick handle, shoot and pass and how comfortable he feels doing so with a brace. Kadri returning would potentially provide the Avs with a huge boost, both matchup wise and from an energy perspective. There's no doubt that the Avs are a better team with Kadri in the lineup than without.