New report unveils who the ultimate x-factor is for the Avalanche next season
Photo credit: AP Photo / Rick Egan
It is almost guaranteed the big stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are going to produce for the Colorado Avalanche this NHL season, but if they want to make a deep run for the Stanley Cup, they will need an x-factor like forward Valeri Nichushkin to bring them over the hump.
The big Russian winger will need to provide a healthy production on offence to relieve some pressure from the top guys.
Valeri Nichushkin needs to be the difference maker for the Avalanche this season.
Aaron Poorman of Mile High Sticking recently reported, on the importance of Valeri Nichushkin this season.
" Valeri Nichushkin is mentioned as possibly the most important Avalanche weapon. But more than simply affirming an opinion I agree with, this article will drill down on just why the imposing Russian forward is perhaps the secret ingredient in the quest to win it all." -Poorman
Firstly Nichushkin's versatility is what makes him so valuable. He is just as good on the offensive side, as he is on the defensive side of the game. It's also rare to have that in a winger.
Secondly, he provides a much needed net front presence on the power play. He is an excellent tipper, and his big frame ensures goalies do not get a good view of the incoming shots.
"Thus, when you look beyond the pillars of MacKinnon and Makar, Nichushkin is the likeliest candidate to drive success. In 332 games played, Nichushkin has tallied a total of 37 power play goals. This is good enough for 20th on the all-time Avalanche leaderboard." -Poorman
We have often spoke about the need for depth for the Avalanche, mostly for the bottom-six forwards, but Nichushkin is also a part of that depth. He needs to have a big season if the Avalanche are going to have any success this year.
Since it's also an Olympic year, Gabriel Landeskog, MacKinnon and Makar will need some rest to avoid burning out before the playoffs even begin.
Source:
Mile High Sticking
Valeri Nichushkin is the x-factor to watch for the Colorado Avalanche in 2025-26
Mile High Sticking
Valeri Nichushkin is the x-factor to watch for the Colorado Avalanche in 2025-26
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 7 | 21 ANSWERS New report unveils who the ultimate x-factor is for the Avalanche next season Will Nichushkin score more than 60 points this season with the Avalanche? | ||
| yes | 14 | 66.7 % |
| no | 7 | 33.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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