Nazem Kadri Talks NHL Making Him a “Poster Boy” For Suspensions

Nazem Kadri was not a fan of the fact he earned himself an eight-game suspension during this year’s playoffs; a suspension that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman upheld after the Colorado Avalanche centre was part of an appeal hearing last week. Kadri’s hit to the head of St. Louis Blues defenceman Justin Faulk in Game 2 of their first-round series ultimately led to him missing the rest of the campaign.

Speaking with Adrian Dater of Colorado Hockey Now, Kadri took aim at the NHL. He suggested his suspension was heavy, potentially targeted him as a player and he believes the league is trying to make example of him while he was trying to make a play defensively.

Related: Talk Colorado Avalanche Could Look to Trade Nazem Kadri

When asked about the Department of Player Safety and who they handled his situation, Kadri explained:

“ I feel like that might be lacking in some areas. Sometimes, it feels like it’s more the offender and not the offense. I get it, I understand it’s a tough job. But for me to get the equivalent of a 20-game suspension in the regular season, for trying to make a responsible defensive play…?”

Kadri, tried to get the suspension reduced but he was unsuccessful. He believes there’s a lack consistency in the officiating in the NHL. That’s probably where the problems start. He said, “There were other instances throughout the playoffs that were very questionable, where the hits were worse than mine, but weren’t even suspendable.” He added, “It did feel like I was made to be a poster boy, to send a message for the accountability aspect, which I didn’t appreciate much.”

Is Kadri Just Complaining?

Kadri seems to suggest the NHL has it out for him. That said, he appealed the suspension, not only to the commissioner Gary Bettman, but then to a neutral arbitrator. The arbitrator in his case, Shyam Das is actually known to be a little more pro player than some others. This is an arbitrator who reduced a suspension for Washington Capitals repeat-offender Tom Wilson. One could argue, if anyone is a target for the NHL, it would be Wilson.

According to Dater, “Kadri had, and still has, the unwavering support of his Avalanche teammates, coaches and management in the wake of the suspension.” Behind the scenes in Colorado, they believe this should have been nothing more than a 1-3 game suspension.

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