May I offer you a Valeri Nichushkin in these trying times?
Amid a whirlwind of rumors surrounding franchise defenseman Zach Werenski, the Columbus Jackets have acquired veteran winger Valeri Nichuskin from the Colorado Avalanche for a collection of draft picks; a 2nd rounder this year (43rd overall), a 3rd rounder in 2027, and a 5th rounder in 2028.
Nichushkin, 31, scored 17 goals last year and added 32 assists for 49 points last year in 72 games, as well as a 2-2-4 stat line in 12 playoff games. He has 154 goals, 203 assists, and 357 points across 11 NHL seasons, plus 28-15-43 in 92 career playoff games, including during the Avalanche’s 2022 run that culminated in a Stanley Cup Playoffs. He has four years four years remaining on his eight-year deal, carrying a $6.125M cap hit through 2030.
Nichushkin has historically struggled to stay healthy, averaging just 57 games played per game across his career, including just 55.5 games from 2018-19 to 2024-25. He’s effective when he plays, scoring at a 26-31-57 pace since joining the Avalanche in 2019.
Of note, Nichushkin has worn #13 with the Colorado Avalanche; it’ll be interesting to see if the team is willing to reissue that number in the wake of the Johnny Gaudreau tragedy. The number has yet to be officially retired, but no player has worn it since, and the team has kept Gaudreau’s 13 jersey with them in the locker room. Nichushkin previously wore #43 turning his time with the Dallas Stars.