Nazem Kadri injury update: High probability Avalanche forward will be available for Stanley Cup Final Game 4

Bryan Murphy

Carlan Gay

Nazem Kadri injury update: High probability Avalanche forward will be available for Stanley Cup Final Game 4 image

The Avalanche entered the Stanley Cup Final without their second-line center. Initial thoughts were that he might not have been available at all for the series, but that looks to be changing.

Nazem Kadri was knocked out of Game 3 of the Western Conference finals against the Oilers after he was cross-checked from behind by Oilers forward Evander Kane. The hit sent Kadri flying into the boards. Kadri was slow to get up and appeared to be laboring with his upper body before he was helped to the locker room.

Five minute major to Evander Kane for boarding Nazem Kadri pic.twitter.com/tmgyJzWrps

— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) June 5, 2022

Kane received a five-minute major for boarding, but he was not given a game misconduct despite Kadri's apparent injury. He was eventually suspended for Game 4, which the Avs took 6-5 in overtime to clinch a series win.

Although they're up 2-1 Colorado certainly misses Kadri. He was having a career year prior to the injury. After an 87-point regular season, he had notched 14 points in 13 playoff games. 

Here's the latest on Nazem Kadri ahead of Game 4.

SCF SCHEDULE: Dates, times, TV channels for Avalanche-Lightning

When will Nazem Kadri return?

The forward was forced to undergo surgery to repair an injured thumb. At first, it was unlikely he was going to make a return to the line, but Avalanche coach Jared Bednar did not rule out a potential return at some point in the series.

So far, Kadri hasn't played in the Stanley Cup Finals but according to TSN's Darren Dreger, there's a high probability that Kadri plays in Game 4 on Wednesday night. 

Who replaced Kadri when he was out of the lineup?

The Avs have a number of players who can fill Kadri's top-six role, although none can replicate his production.

Bednar went with the line combination of Artturi Lehkonen, JT Compher and Mikko Rantanen in their Game 3 loss on Monday night. If Kadri is able to come back into the lineup it will be interesting to see how and where he fits in the lineup. 

According to the Athletic's Peter Baugh, Nicolas Aube-Kubel did Wednesday's morning skate with the scratches, opening the door for a potential Kadri return. Aube-Kubel had been skating on the fourth line with Alex Newhook and Nico Strum.

STANLEY CUP FINAL PREVIEW: Avalanche vs. Lightning

When is Game 4 of the Avalanche-Lightning Stanley Cup Final?

Game 4 of the Avalanche-Lightning Stanley Cup Final is Wednesday, June 22, at 8 p.m. ET. It will take place at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla.

Viewers in the U.S. can watch the game nationally on ESPN. The Canadian audience can watch the game on Sportsnet, CBC and TVA Sports. 

Stanley Cup Final schedule 2022

(All times Eastern)

Date Game Matchup Time National TV
Wed., June 22 Game 4 Avalanche at Lightning 8 p.m. ABC, SN, CBC, TVA Sports, ESPN+
Fri., June 24 Game 5 Lightning at Avalanche 8 p.m. ABC, SN, CBC, TVA Sports, ESPN+
Sun., June 26 Game 6* Avalanche at Lightning 8 p.m. ABC, SN, CBC, TVA Sports, ESPN+
Tue., June 28 Game 7* Lightning at Avalanche 8 p.m. ABC, SN, CBC, TVA Sports, ESPN+

Bryan Murphy

Bryan Murphy Photo

Bryan Murphy joined The Sporting News in 2022 as the NHL/Canada content producer. Previously he worked for NBC Sports on their national news desk reporting on breaking news for the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL, in addition to covering the 2020 and 2022 Olympic Games. A graduate of Quinnipiac University, he spent time in college as a beat reporter covering the men’s ice hockey team.

Carlan Gay