Colorado Avalanche Center Nazem Kadri ESPN sources confirm that the thumb surgery was performed Monday.
Kadri’s availability to play in the postseason is unknown. The Avalanche had already decided against Kadri as their second-line center for the Western Conference finals matchup against them. Edmonton Oilers.
Kadri suffered injuries after being hit in the back by an Oilers winger Evander Kane In Game 3. Kane was given a one-game suspension and will need to sit for Game 4 in Edmonton on Monday night as the Oilers try to avoid a sweep.
Kane received initially a five minute major for boarding. After the NHL Department of Player Safety found it to be a dangerous play, and Kadri had not intended to put himself in a vulnerable situation, it looked at Kane’s previous history (three suspensions and two fines) and considered the impact of Kane’s injury when it decided on a one game ban.
Kadri, 31 years old, had a regular season with the Avalanche scoring 28 goals and 87 point in 71 games. With six goals and 14 points in 13 playoff games, the center continued that performance.
JT Compher will replace Kadri as center of the second-line line. Coach Jared Bednar however stated that Kadri was still needed to be in the lineup “by committee”, which is a testament to Kadri’s vital role.
TSN was the first to report Kadri’s surgery.