Avalanche's Nazem Kadri Return Bigger Deal Than Nuggets' Aaron Gordon

Kadri's reunion with Nathan MacKinnon has the Avalanche cruising, while Gordon's injury-plagued season has the Nuggets struggling.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The returns of Nazem Kadri for the Colorado Avalanche and Aaron Gordon for the Denver Nuggets have been highly anticipated, but Kadri's comeback is seen as the bigger deal. Kadri, 35, has joined a dominant Avalanche team that is cruising towards the playoffs, while Gordon's injury-plagued season has the Nuggets fighting to stay in the playoff picture. The Nuggets were expected to challenge for a championship, but their season has been derailed by injuries and inconsistent play.

Why it matters

The Avalanche and Nuggets are both championship contenders, so the returns of key players like Kadri and Gordon could have a major impact on their postseason aspirations. Kadri's reunion with star center Nathan MacKinnon has the Avalanche looking unstoppable, while the Nuggets are still trying to find their footing with Gordon back in the lineup.

The details

Nazem Kadri was acquired by the Avalanche in a trade and has immediately slotted back in alongside MacKinnon, forming a formidable duo. Meanwhile, Aaron Gordon has struggled to find his rhythm since returning from multiple hamstring injuries, posting a poor performance in his first game back. The Nuggets were expected to unseat the Oklahoma City Thunder as the top team in the West, but that role has shifted to the San Antonio Spurs instead.

  • Nazem Kadri returned to the Avalanche lineup last week.
  • Aaron Gordon returned to the Nuggets' starting lineup on Friday, March 3, 2026.

The players

Nazem Kadri

A 35-year-old center who was acquired by the Colorado Avalanche in a trade. Kadri has formed a dominant duo with star center Nathan MacKinnon.

Aaron Gordon

A key player for the Denver Nuggets who has missed significant time this season due to multiple hamstring injuries. Gordon is expected to be a crucial part of the Nuggets' championship aspirations.

Nathan MacKinnon

The star center for the Colorado Avalanche who has been reunited with Nazem Kadri. MacKinnon was seen smiling on the ice, a rare sight for the serious player.

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What they’re saying

“Nathan MacKinnon smiling. Like, actually, unabashedly smiling. A man embracing the sheer joy of the game, in the moment, for everybody to see.”

— Sean Keeler, Sports Columnist (denverpost.com)

What’s next

The Avalanche will look to continue their dominant run as they prepare for the playoffs, while the Nuggets will need Aaron Gordon to find his form and help the team secure a playoff spot.

The takeaway

The returns of Nazem Kadri and Aaron Gordon have significant implications for their respective teams, but Kadri's comeback with the Avalanche is seen as the bigger deal. The Avalanche are cruising towards the playoffs, while the Nuggets are still trying to find their footing with Gordon back in the lineup.