NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman upholds Nazem Kadri’s eight-game suspension

May 31, 2021, 13:17 EDT

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman upholds Nazem Kadri’s eight-game suspension

Credit: Isaiah J. Downing

May 19, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri (91) checks St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk (72) in the third period in game two of the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Kadri would be ejected from the game for an illegal hit to the head. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

An eight-game suspension levied against Colorado Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri has been upheld by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

The suspension, which was handed out for a headshot to St. Louis Blues forward Justin Faulk, was given last week and Kadri filed an appeal.

The hit was deemed by the league to be to the head and one that was avoidable. On the play, Kadri was assessed a five-minute major and was ejected from the game.

Kadri had been suspended five times by the league since 2013, twice in the playoffs with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.

MORE FACEOFF.IN YOUR INBOX.

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR DAILY NEWSLETTER