Valeri Nichushkin is a right winger for the Colorado Avalanche. The big Russian has had a tumultuous career in the NHL, his time in the league a mix of success and troubles. When he is in games, Nichushkin is a critical piece for the Avalanche on their second line.
Since being drafted by the Dallas Stars in 2013, Valeri Nichushkin has had an up-and-down career. Learn more about his time in Dallas, with the Avalanche, the need for time in the player assistance program, and his impact on the team and the NHL, as a whole.
Click here to find out more about Colorado Avalanche odds.
Early Life and Hockey Beginnings
Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin first started garnering attention when he played with Traktor Chelyabinsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Nichushkin would transfer to Dynamo Mosco, signing a two-year deal. Ultimately, the contract was terminated, allowing him to eventually play in the NHL.
NHL Draft and Early Career
Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin has covered a lot of ground in his 10 years in the NHL. Let’s take a look at Nichushkin going into the 2013 NHL Draft, his draft profile, and how his early career with the Stars played out.
NHL Draft
As a draft prospect, Nichushkin was one of the most interesting players at that stage. During his draft season, Nichushkin bounced around between the various Russian leagues. He really made an impact by scoring seven points in six games at the World Junior Championships in February.
Despite a relatively quiet season in Russia, it was easy to see what people saw in Nichushkin. In the 18 games he did play in the KHL, he showed that he could play among men. His size and strength were clear assets, but his skating and physical ability were enticing to his team.
The Stars made him the 10th overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft. The team was at a different stage then than it is now. Nichushkin was being asked to step into the lineup right away, propelling him to the biggest stage on the globe.
Career with the Dallas Stars
During his career with the Dallas Stars, Nichushkin faced struggles. He had a solid rookie season but failed to make an impact after that. He would spend two seasons with CSKA Moscow, signing a two-year deal after his rookie contract expired.
Rejoining the team in Dallas for the 2018-19 season, Nichushkin again struggled to make an impact in games. With just 10 assists in 57 games, Nichushkin and the team agreed to part ways mutually.
Career with the Colorado Avalanche
Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin joined the team ahead of the 2019-20 season. Signing a one-year, $850k deal, the team gave the young Russian a second chance. He responded with a solid season, scoring 13 goals in 65 games in his first season with the team.
2022 Season
Nichushkin really made an impact during the 2021-22 season. That season, he scored a career-high 25 goals and registered 52 points, helping the team dominate in the regular season. He would add 15 points in 20 playoff games, a crucial part of the Avalanche lifting the Stanley Cup that season.
His efforts were good enough to earn an eight-year, $49 million extension with the Avalanche that summer. Nichushkin added 47 points in 53 games while dealing with injuries, leading to the series with Seattle and the Avalanche’s subsequent elimination.
2023-24 and Six-Month Suspension
Nichushkin took his game to another level last season. Though he spent some time on injured reserve, Nichushkin managed to score a career-high 28 goals. In the final five games of his season, Nichushkin left the team as its leading scorer.
Unfortunately, that was when he returned to the player assistance program. Injuries and a strong Dallas Stars team resulted in a second-round elimination, ending the pursuit of a fourth Stanley Cup for the Avalanche.
Return to the Avalanche
Nichushkin’s return came on Nov. 15 against the Washington Capitals. Given the injuries to players like Jonathan Drouin (upper body injury) and Gabriel Landeskog being on injured reserve, Nichushkin’s return was massive.
After three scoreless games, Nichushkin has caught fire. He has six points in his last five games, helping the Avalanche stay competitive in a very tough Central Division. As the season wears on, his role will only become more pronounced.
🗣️ Valeri Nichushkin
"The last six months were tough. But I've had huge progress with my mental health. I hope it never happens again."#GoAvsGo #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/OkpXYptB7g
— Guerilla Sports (@guerillasports_) November 16, 2024
Stats Breakdown
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | PIM | PPG |
| 2013-14 | DAL | 79 | 14 | 20 | 34 | 20 | 8 | 2 |
| 2014-15 | DAL | 8 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -5 | 2 | 0 |
| 2015-16 | DAL | 79 | 9 | 20 | 29 | 2 | 12 | 1 |
| 2018-19 | DAL | 57 | 0 | 10 | 10 | -4 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019-20 | COL | 65 | 13 | 14 | 27 | 26 | 14 | 1 |
| 2020-21 | COL | 55 | 10 | 11 | 21 | 9 | 4 | 1 |
| 2021-22 | COL | 62 | 25 | 27 | 52 | 21 | 14 | 2 |
| 2022-23 | COL | 53 | 17 | 30 | 47 | 15 | 2 | 1 |
| 2023-24 | COL | 54 | 28 | 25 | 53 | 5 | 22 | 0 |
| 2024-25 | COL | 9 | 3 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 2 | 0 |
| Totals | 521 | 119 | 161 | 280 | 86 | 80 | 36 |
Off the Ice: Personal Life and Interests
It is his off-the-ice activities that have garnered Nichushkin a lot of interest. During the first round of a playoff series with the Seattle Kraken, Nichushkin stepped away for “personal reasons.” It was later reported that there was an incident at a Seattle hotel. After an investigation by the NHL and Seattle Police, Nichushkin was cleared in a case suspected to involve human trafficking of a woman in Nichushkin’s room.
Initially, the Seattle incident was thought to be a one-off. In January 2024, Nichushkin joined the NHL player assistance program, ultimately returning to the Avalanche in March. He would practice normally and be there for the remainder of the season, helping the Avalanche to a second-round matchup with the Dallas Stars.
Ultimately, Nichushkin would submit himself to the player assistance program once again. For the second straight postseason, the Avalanche were unceremoniously dumped. Nichushkin’s future with the team suddenly became a major question. It also raised even more concerns about the previous incident in Seattle.
Legacy and Future in Colorado
Valeri Nichushkin remains something of a hot button topic in Colorado. When he suits up for games, he remains a vital part of the team. He has been removed from the active roster once as result of his off-ice activities, and there is little doubt that his time in the player assistance program may have been a warning as well as a help.
When he is on the ice Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin is a big part of the Avalanche and their success. Head coach Jared Bednar trusts him to play a strong two-way game, and Nichshukin will have plenty of ice time with al the injuries in the lineup, including an upper body injury for Jonathan Drouin.
Since his season debut, Valeri Nichushkin’s return has energized the Avalanche. Whether in practice or games, Nichushkin is an integral part of the team. After a quiet start since returning in November, he has quietly picked up his game. On the biggest stage, all eyes are on set on him. Valeri Nichushkin’s return needs to set the stage for the rest of his time in the NHL.
Conclusion
All has gone well since Nichushkin’s return in mid-November. The team was understanding, welcoming him back with open arms. The fans at Ball Arena have welcome him back as well, given the injuries to Ross Colton, Jonathan Drouin, and others. His season is off to a solid start as well.
Nichushkin’s return, publicly bolstered by general manager Chris McFarland and head coach Jared Bednar, has been vital to the Avalanche. Though the team needs all the help it can get in the face of injuries, it is safe to say that Nichushkin remains on thin ice. Hopefully, he will limit his activities to practice, games, and have a quiet season off the ice but a big one at Ball Arena.
FAQs
When did Valeri Nichushkin join the Colorado Avalanche?
Valeri Nichushkin joined the Colorado Avalanche ahead of the 2019-20 season. He signed with the team for one-year, $850k as a free agent. In November of that year, he scored his first goal in two years. That season as considered a success and Nichushkin became a pivotal part of the team as the season wore on.
How many goals has Nichushkin scored in his career?
Nichushkin has picked up his play since joining the Avalanche. Since his debut in front of Avalanche fans at Ball Arena, he has been an important part of the team. Nichushkin has scored 119 career goals in 521 career games, substantially improving his play for the team over each season in Colorado.
What position does Valeri Nichushkin play?
Valeri Nichushkin plays right winger for the Colorado Avalanche. He has been known to alternate between right and left wing and has had some practice at center as well. Since Nichushkin’s return this season, he has remained at right wing on the team’s second line.
Has Nichushkin won a Stanley Cup?
In his first season with the Colorado Avalanche, Nichushkin helped the Colorado Avalanche win the Stanley Cup. It would be the first Stanley Cup for Nichushkin and the third for the Colorado Avalanche franchise. He became integral to the team, playing a second line role as they became the toast of the NHL.
