Avalanche’s Nazem Kadri Discusses Threats, Racist Comments After Binnington Injury

AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

After posting a hat trick in a 6-3 win over the St. Louis Blues in Game 4 of their second-round playoff series on Monday, Colorado Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri addressed racist and threatening messages he received after an incident in Game 3.

During Colorado’s 5-2 Game 3 win on Saturday, Kadri and Blues defenseman Calle Rosen crashed into Blues goalie Jordan Binnington, who suffered a lower-body injury that knocked him out for the remainder of the game and the rest of the series.

Although Kadri wasn’t penalized on the play or disciplined by the NHL, ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski reported Sunday that the Avalanche were working with police in St. Louis to ensure Kadri’s safety after he received threatening messages related to the Binnington injury.

After netting three goals in Colorado’s Game 4 victory, Kadri said the following regarding the threats in an interview with TNT (h/t Wyshynski):

“Unfortunately, I’ve been dealing with that a long time. That’s sad to say, but I’m getting good at putting in the rearview mirror. It’s a big deal. I try to act like it’s not. Just try to keep moving forward. I know those messages I got don’t reflect every single fan in St. Louis. But for those that hate, [the hat trick was] for them.”

Kadri, who is a Muslim of Lebanese descent, called the messages “hateful” and “extreme.”

This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis. 

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