Avalanche's Nazem Kadri leaves game vs. Blues with upper-body injury

Talk about terrible timing for the Colorado Avalanche.

The Avs were taking on the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night, and center Nazem Kadri took a shot off the hand, and had to leave the game with an upper-body injury.

Colorado won the game 3-1 over the Blues, but Kadri left in midway through the game, and now the team is holding their breath that his hand, wrist, or finger isn't broken. Losing Kadri two weeks before the Stanley Cup Playoffs would be a massive blow to the Avs' dressing room.

Here is Nazem Kadri’s last shift. Shot appears to hit him in the hand and you can see him checking on it. Did it a few more times before his shift ended. pic.twitter.com/nd1FGqpYSu
— Evan Rawal (@evanrawal) April 8, 2026

Kadri was re-acquired by the Avs ahead of the trade deadline from the Calgary Flames in exchange for Max Curran, Victor Olofsson, a 2028 first-round pick, and 2027 second-round pick. Since joining the Avs this season, Kadri's recorded four goals and five assists in 15 games. With the Flames in 61 games prior, the veteran pivot posted 12 goals and 29 assists, for 41 points, which was leading Calgary.

The Avalanche clinched first place in the Central Division with Tuesday's win over the Blues. They're hoping to land the President's Cup, and have a four point lead over the Carolina Hurricanes for the best team in the NHL. We'll see if Kadri can open the first-round series, and if the Avs can live up to the hype this postseason.

“I’m sure it’s something he may or may not be able to play through”

Head Coach Bednar on Naz Kadri ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/g1haAik4hH
— AltitudeTV (@AltitudeTV) April 8, 2026