The NHL Department of Player Safety announced that Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri has been offered an in-person Zoom hearing for his blindside head-hit on St. Louis defenseman Justin Faulk.
Colorado’s Nazem Kadri has been offered an in-person hearing via Zoom for an Illegal Check to the Head on St. Louis’ Justin Faulk. Date and time TBD.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) May 20, 2021
Nazem Kadri Facing Suspension
Kadri has been previously suspended five times before his head hit on Faulk in Game 2, notably twice before in the playoffs with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The incident happened at 13:34 in the third period when Kadri hit Faulk as Faulk took a shot on net. Faulk appeared to be unconscious after the hit.
In the regular season, Kadri scored 11 goals and 21 assists which were good for 32 points in 56 games. He also recorded an innocuous 34 PIM this year, his fewest since 2014-15. Through two games this postseason, Kadri has one assist and 10 PIM while centring Colorado’s second line.
Series Impact
Due to his lengthy suspension history, Kadri could be facing an extended postseason absence. Though the Avalanche have largely dominated this season thanks to their exceptional depth, Kadri would be a missed asset. The middle-six center depth will be tested between Tyson Jost, J.T. Compher, and rookie Alex Newhook.
Jost has excelled on the penalty kill this year and would provide a shutdown defensive element to the top six. Compher similarly would provide a defensive element to the second line. The significant concern is neither Compher nor Jost has produced as well as Kadri offensively this year. In addition to the opening on the second line, there would be a hole at centre on the second powerplay unit usually held by Kadri.
All eyes will be on George Parros and The Department of Player Safety’s decision after their mismanagement of the Tom Wilson situation.
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