The Colorado Avalanche will be without a key piece of their lineup as they push toward the playoffs. Head coach Jared Bednar announced that veteran forward Nazem Kadri will miss "some games" due to a finger injury.

Bednar expressed optimism, however, stating the team hopes to reintegrate Kadri before the postseason begins. With just five games left in the regular season, timing is critical. The Avalanche have already secured the Central Division title and the Western Conference's top seed, and a win over the Calgary Flames would clinch the Presidents' Trophy for the league's best record.

The injury occurred during Colorado's 3-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Since being acquired from Calgary at the trade deadline, Kadri has made a swift impact, contributing four goals and five assists in 16 games. His experience is invaluable; the 35-year-old was instrumental in the Avalanche's 2022 Stanley Cup championship run.

Kadri isn't the only star sidelined. Defenseman Cale Makar remains out with an upper-body injury, set to miss his fifth consecutive game, though he was seen skating in a non-contact jersey. As the playoffs loom, the Avalanche's depth will be tested, making every shift and every game crucial for maintaining their championship momentum.