Blue Jackets acquire Nichushkin from Avalanche for draft picks
Columbus Blue Jackets have acquired forward Valeri Nichushkin from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for multiple draft selections.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have made a significant trade, acquiring 31-year-old forward Valeri Nichushkin from the Colorado Avalanche. In return, Colorado receives a 2026 second-round pick (43rd overall), a 2027 third-round pick, and a 2029 fifth-round pick.
Nichushkin is under contract through 2030 with an annual salary cap hit of $6.12 million. Last regular season, he recorded 17 goals and 32 assists for 49 points in 72 games. In the playoffs, he added four points (2+2) in 12 contests.
During seven seasons with Colorado, Nichushkin amassed 283 points in 404 games. He was particularly outstanding in the 2022 playoffs, collecting 15 points in 20 games and helping the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup.
Columbus general manager Don Waddell expressed satisfaction with the deal: "Valeri is a big, powerful forward who skates well, can score, and wins battles. He's a high-quality two-way player, and we're excited to welcome him to our team."
This is the third major trade by the Avalanche this week since Joe Sakic reassumed general manager duties. Previously, Colorado shipped centers Ross Colton and Jack Drury to the Nashville Predators. Although the Avalanche won the Presidents' Trophy in the regular season, they were swept 4-0 by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Finals.
The Blue Jackets continue to seek ways to bolster their offense after missing the Stanley Cup playoffs for the sixth consecutive season. The organization hopes Nichushkin will become a team leader and help return to postseason contention.
