Recent report confirms Valeri Nichushkin's fate with the Colorado Avalanche
Photo credit: (Photo courtesy of John A. Babiak / @Photog_JohnB)
Valeri Nichushkin remains a polarizing figure among fans; some want him back with the Colorado Avalanche, while others are ready to move on from the Russian fixture.
He began the season serving a six-month suspension, adding further complexity to his status with the team.
Recent report confirms Valeri Nichushkin's fate with the Colorado Avalanche.
Brennan Vogt from Hockey Mountain High writes, Nichushkin was suspended for violating the terms of the NHLPA Player Assistance Program, which barred him from playing or even practicing with the team until November 13, 2024. As a result, he missed the Avalanche's first 17 games of the season.
"Nichushkin became one of the Avalanche's most consistent scorers when he was in the lineup. He would never go over two games in a row without a point. And he only did that five times. The Russian normally would recover with a multi-point game to recover from the slump." Vogt
After returning from his suspension, Nichushkin quickly reminded everyone of his value to the Avalanche, until a groin injury on New Year's Eve forced him out of action against the Winnipeg Jets. He went on to miss 21 consecutive games, not returning until after the Four Nations Faceoff. Despite both the suspension and the extended injury absence, he managed to record 21 goals and 13 assists.
"Initially, the team used the 11-year veteran as they should have. He was playing on the top line and the top power play unit. Then, Nichushkin's point production decreased, so the coaches moved him to the second line and second power play unit. He was not getting in front of the net as often as he used to, leading to less scoring opportunities." -Vogt
The Avalanche didn't utilize Nichushkin effectively on special teams this season, even when he was healthy. Had they developed him as they had in previous years, their power play might have been more productive.
Nichushkin is currently signed to an 8-year deal worth $49 million, with an AAV of 6.13 million.
| POLL | ||
MAI 25 | 53 ANSWERS Recent report confirms Valeri Nichushkin's fate with the Colorado Avalanche Do you think the Avalanche would want to trade away star forward Valeri Nichushkin? | ||
| yes | 11 | 20.8 % |
| no | 42 | 79.2 % |
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