The Colorado Avalanche traded forward Valeri Nichushkin to the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 43rd overall pick in this week's draft, a 2027 third-rounder, and a 2028 fifth-round selection, the teams announced Thursday.
Nichushkin recorded 17 goals and 49 points in 72 games last season, which marked his lowest scoring rate since 2020-21. He added two goals and four points in 12 playoff contests.
The 31-year-old is signed through 2029-30 at a $6.125-million cap hit. He has a 12-team no-trade list.
"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," Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said in a statement. "He's an accomplished two-way player who competes at a high level, and we're very excited to welcome him to the Blue Jackets family."
Nichushkin tallied a career-high 28 goals and 53 points in 54 contests during the 2023-24 campaign. Over seven seasons in Colorado, he accumulated 131 goals and 283 points in 404 appearances.
The Russian winger won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022. Nichushkin had nine goals and 15 points in 20 games during the playoff run.
Nichushkin missed 22 games during the 2023-24 season while taking part in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. In May 2024, he was suspended for six months for a failed drug test and entered Stage 3 of the program during the second round of the playoffs.
The Avalanche have now traded Nichushkin, Ross Colton, and Jack Drury since June 16. Colorado has $11 million in projected cap space after dealing Nichushkin, according to PuckPedia.
