Kadri confident teammates trust him after playoff suspension

Nazem Kadri isn't concerned about his reputation among his Colorado Avalanche teammates following his costly playoff suspension this past spring.

"They understand who I am as a person and what kind of character I have," Kadri said, per The Athletic's Peter Baugh. "I'd like to think I have everyone's respect in that locker room."

Kadri received an eight-game suspension after he hit St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk in the head during Game 2 of their first-round series. It was the third time in four years Kadri received a multi-game ban in the postseason. The first two instances occurred while he was a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

His absence proved costly, as the Avalanche, Cup favorites after earning the Presidents' Trophy, were eliminated in six games by the Vegas Golden Knights in Round 2.

Colorado star Mikko Rantanen backed Kadri heading into the new season.

"There's no trust issues," Rantanen said. "I don't really need to tell him what to do because he's a veteran guy. He's going to get over it for sure."

Kadri has registered 68 points in 107 games since joining the Avalanche ahead of the 2019-20 campaign. The 12-year NHL veteran is an unrestricted free agent at season's end.