Blue Jackets acquire Nichushkin from Avalanche — The Fourth Period
The Columbus Blue Jackets have acquired right wing Valeri Nichushkin from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick (43rd overall), a 2027 third-round pick and 2028 fifth-round pick.
Nichushkin, 31, picked up 17 goals and 32 assists for 49 points in 72 games with the Avalanche this past season.
He has registered 154 goals and 203 assists for 357 points, 112 penalty minutes, 41 power play goals, 24 game-winning goals and six shorthanded tallies with a cumulative +109 plus/minus rating on 16:25 of ice time in 627 career games over 11 NHL campaigns with the Avalanche and Dallas Stars.
“Valeri is a big, strong forward who skates exceptionally well, can score goals, win puck battles and doesn’t shy away from playing in the hard areas,” said Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell. “He is an accomplished two-way player who competes at a high level and we are very excited to welcome him to the Blue Jackets family.”
A member of Colorado’s 2022 Stanley Cup championship team, Nichushkin was selected 10th overall by Dallas in the 2013 NHL Draft.
