Jun 2, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri (91) controls the puck in the second period against the Edmonton Oilers in game two of the Western Conference Final of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Avalanche C Nazem Kadri likely out for rest of playoffs after thumb surgery

By Adam Stites | Last updated 6/6/22

Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri's postseason is likely over after he underwent surgery to repair his injured thumb, according to TSN's Darren Dreger. While the Avalanche haven't officially ruled out Kadri, the rehab is expected to keep him out of action, even if Colorado advances to the Stanley Cup Final.

Kadri, 31, finished the 2021-22 regular season with a career-high 87 points and he had 14 points in 13 playoff games prior to the injury. In the opening minutes of Game 3 of the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers, Kadri was injured when he was hit by Evander Kane.

Evander Kane was given a 5-minute major for boarding on this hit on Nazem Kadri. #StanleyCup | #LetsGoOilers | #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/xRv9dN2WQs
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 5, 2022

Kane received a five-minute major and was suspended one game by the NHL for the hit.

"The hit is the most dangerous play in hockey," Avalanche coach Jared Bednar told reporters after the game, via ESPN. "It puts him in headfirst from behind, eight feet off the boards. I'll leave it at that."

Colorado went on to win the game 4-2 and have a 3-0 series lead against the Oilers. The Avalanche can earn a trip to the Stanley Cup Final with a win Monday night in Edmonton.

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