Kadri's suspension upheld by neutral arbitrator

Nazem Kadri's eight-game suspension was upheld by a neutral arbitrator, the NHL and the players' association announced Tuesday.

The Colorado Avalanche forward received an eight-game ban after a hit to the head of St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk in Game 2 of the club's first-round series. It's the sixth suspension of Kadri's career.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman upheld the Department of Player Safety's ruling May 31, prompting the appeal to a neutral arbitrator.

Kadri is eligible to return to Colorado's lineup no sooner than a potential Game 7 versus the Vegas Golden Knights. The series is tied 2-2 with Game 5 scheduled for Tuesday night.