New report reveals shocking twist concerning the future of Avalanche star forward
Photo credit: AAron Ontiveroz / The Denver Post
A newly surfaced report has revealed a shocking and unexpected twist that could have major implications for future of the Colorado Avalanche star forward Valeri Nichushkin.
Heading into the 2024-25 season, one of the biggest questions looming was whether Nichushkin would return following his six-month suspension.
New report reveals stunning career update on Valeri Nichushkin.
Stefano Rubino from The Hockey News writes that the 2023-24 season proved to be an impressive one for Nichushkin, even while managing several injuries. He notched a career-high 28 goals and 25 assists for 53 points in 54 regular-season games.
With 37 goals in 62 total games, that pace projects to an incredible 49 goals over an 82-game season, an output the Avalanche would eagerly covet, especially given his ability to score in a variety of ways and from all areas of the offensive zone.
"The start of the 2024-25 season started well for Nichushkin. In his first 21 games, he scored 11 goals and six assists for 17 points, on pace for a 43-goal season, but he ran into some injury trouble heading into the new year. Specifically, he was dealing with a lower-body injury that kept him out week-to-week in January, and that had a setback in February that kept him out until March." -Rubino
Returning from injury in early March, Nichushkin played 20 games to close out the season, recording nine goals and seven assists for 16 points, maintaining a pace that would equate to nearly a 37-goal season over a full year. He finished the regular season with 21 goals and 13 assists for 34 points in 43 games.
"Health and availability have been a significant topic over Nichushkin's head during this tenure with the Avalanche. Only playing over 60 games twice with the Avalanche, once in the 2019-20 season and the 2021-22 season. Everything else has been under 55 games or less, either dealing with injuries or off-ice related issues. Those reasons have also impacted his performance on the ice when he is healthy and his production for the team." -Rubino
The upcoming season will be crucial for Nichushkin's health. Staying fit and consistently contributing to the team's success, possibly even reclaiming a spot on the top line, could have a major impact, with the Avalanche's overall success potentially hinging on his peroformance.
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