The National Hockey League announced Monday commissioner Gary Bettman has upheld Colorado Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri's eight-game suspension.

Kadri was suspended for an illegal check to the head of St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk from the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The 30-year-old will now appeal his suspension for a second time, this time to neutral discipline arbitrator Shyam Das.

TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun confirmed the NHLPA has filed the appeal on behalf of Kadri.