<p>NEW YORK — Colorado Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri was <a href="https://www.nhl.com/video/kadri-suspended-eight-games/t-277440360/c-8419047">suspended for eight games</a> by the NHL on Friday night for his head shot on St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk in Game 2 of a first-round playoff series.</p>
<p>The NHL announced the punishment during Colorado’s game at St. Louis. The top-seeded Avalanche took a 2-0 series lead into the game.</p>
<p>This marked the sixth career suspension for Kadri, who was acquired by Colorado in a deal with Toronto on July 1, 2019. </p>
<p>Kadri latest suspension stemmed from clipping Faulk in the head with his right elbow midway through the third period in Game 3 on Wednesday. Faulk left the contest, and Kadri was thrown out with a match penalty. Blues captain Ryan O’Reilly called it a dangerous hit that was “completely uncalled for.”</p>
<p>Faulk was ruled out for Game 3 in St. Louis. </p>
<p>The 30-year-old Kadri was suspended indefinitely Thursday pending a video hearing with the league’s department of player safety. </p>
<p>Two years ago, Kadri was suspended for the rest of the Maple Leafs’ playoff series against Boston for cross-checking, a punishment that ended up being five games. </p>
<p>Kadri appeared in all 56 regular season games for the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Avalanche. He was sixth on the team in points with 11 goals and 21 assists. He also led the team in faceoff wins. </p>
<p>The veteran forward brings a physical edge to a speedy Colorado team. He had nine goals during the 2020 playoffs, which tied Nathan MacKinnon for most on the team.</p>
<p>Kadri’s roster spot will be taken by veteran forward Carl Soderberg, who was acquired from Chicago on April 12. Soderberg’s yet to play in the series.</p>
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