Colorado Avalanche
· 2026-06-26
The Colorado Avalanche traded Valeri Nichushkin to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday.
The Avalanche received the 43rd pick in this weekend's NHL Draft, a third-rounder next year, and a fifth-rounder in 2028 in exchange for Nichushkin.
The Russian winger scored nine goals during the Avalanche's 2022 Stanley Cup run.
He played the clinching Game 6 in the final on a broken right foot.
Nichushkin's departure gives the Avalanche space to potentially sign Cale Makar to a long-term extension.
The team is currently first in the Western Conference with a 55-16 record, on a W3 streak.
Their last result was a 2-1 loss @ Vegas Golden Knights on 2026-05-27.
The Avalanche will look to utilize the acquired draft picks to strengthen their roster.
President of hockey operations Joe Sakic will oversee the team's draft strategy.
Nichushkin has four more seasons left on his contract at a salary cap hit of $6.125 million.
The trade allows the Avalanche to manage their salary cap more effectively.
The team's focus will now shift to the upcoming NHL Draft and potential free agency moves.
The Avalanche are poised to make a strong push in the upcoming season, with a talented roster and savvy front office.