After showing great promise through his junior hockey career, Russian forward Valeri Nichushkin's seemingly bright future in the NHL was inhibited by injury and contractual complications. Following a solid rookie year with the Dallas Stars in which he netted 14 goals and 20 assists for 34 points, Nichushkin suffered a lower body injury which required surgery, just five games into his sophomore season.
Following his surgery and rehabilitation in New Jersey he returned to practice with the team in March. Upon the conclusion of his entry level deal with the Stars he was unable to strike a new deal, resulting in his KHL rights being traded from Dynamo Moscow to CSKA Moscow, where he signed a two year deal to return to the KHL with his NHL rights remaining with the Stars.
After two seasons in the KHL, Nichushkin returned to the Stars organization, agreeing to a two year contract. Unfortunately the 2018-2019 season turned out poorly for Nichushkin who recorded just 10 assists in 57 games. He was put on unconditional waivers and bought out of his contract.
The big Russian signed a one year deal with the Colorado Avalanche for $850K this season. He scored his first goal with the Avs on November 23rd and wasted no time scoring his 2nd on Friday against the Blackhawks.
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It looks like the Avalanche may be good fit for the 24 year old. With Mikko Rantanen set to return to the Avs lineup on Saturday and Gabriel Landeskog and Colin Wilson not far behind, Nichushkin will have to keep up appearances to avoid being the odd man out once the Avs are operating with a full healthy roster.
