Confirmed Trade: [CBJ/COL] Valeri Nichushkin for 2026 2nd, 2027 3rd, 2028 5th

[Captain Mountain]

Like what?

Having more than 4 defencemen probably.

 

[johnnybbadd]

Looking at the Avs roster I think they need one more solid Dman. Someone better than Burns.

 

[BigBoss614]

I will say Columbus seems to continue to be like the “middle six veteran” haven out East. Lots of useful players up front but what exactly do they add up to?

Feels like Nuke kinda slides into the hole left by Jenner.

We have a lot of kids that need playing time, so by getting guys like Coyle, Marchment, JVR, Nichuskin, etc over the last 2-3 years it's given some flexibility to allow those kids get more minutes as needed while knowing the vets can slide up and down the lineup as needed.

 

[TheOrganist]

He’s been pretty meh for a while. I’m sure Colorado was sick of his schtick but a nice cheap pickup for CBJ

 

[Treb]

Like what?

Like the ones that haven't happened yet.

 

[Bunch of AHOs]

Never thought Nichushkin brought a lot to the table in Colorado, maybe I just watched the wrong games.

But he did. Don't you all remember how he singlehandedly wrecked two post-seasons with all that motel, drugs etc drama.

 

[Dipsy Doodle]

I think people underestimate the impact of a 30+ player having term on their deals in the trade market. We saw a very similar deal to this with Garland at the deadline, guys who are 30 or older with term don't bring back premier assets. A 2nd and 3rd for Nuke is the same that Garland brought back and is the same I imagine most 30+ middle-6 guys with term get traded for.

Well, there's that combined with the fact that Nuke's had some well documented character issues, has never scored more than 53 points in a season for one reason or other, and only put up 17 goals last year.

 

[KingsHockey24]

He’s going to be asking out in about 6 months.

 

[Maurice of Orange]

Val was dealing with issues in Colorado. He’s gonna be depressed in Columbus.

 

[Joe Sakic]

Dang we must really need the cap space to fill out the roster. We now have ~$11M to sign 2 D basically. And any additional depth players but sheesh you can usually get those pretty cheap.

We also have to extend Makar this year, so.

Dang I guess we'll see what we do with other trades or free agency.

 

[BKarchitect]

We have a lot of kids that need playing time, so by getting guys like Coyle, Marchment, JVR, Nichuskin, etc over the last 2-3 years it's given some flexibility to allow those kids get more minutes as needed while knowing the vets can slide up and down the lineup as needed.

Yeah that’s fair not saying it’s a bad thing just kinda been a point of emphasis it feels like for the reasons you state.

If Nuke adapts as well as Coyle did, you’ll be quite pleased. I’m interested to see his role usage in Columbus.

 

[TheBeard]

Seems like a low return.

 

[hockeyfish]

Nuke's body has been falling apart for years now, but I wish him the best. When the choochoo is on the tracks, he's a fun player to watch.

 

[RoyIsALegend]

Good riddance.

- Cocaine and hookers in the 2023 playoffs.
- Cocaine again in 2024.
- Cocaine again in 2024 playoffs.

Injuries.

Slow.

Literally Colorado’s worst player in the 2026 playoffs:

 

[tucker3434]

He had a rough year and him not showing up in the playoffs was a backbreaker. But this still burns. At the top of his game, he’s an ideal secondary piece on a contender. This reshuffle better make good use of the cap space.

 

[Theodore450]

Kinda wish the Habs paid that price.

 

[Seattle King]

This deal has a chance to work if CBJ can arrange the closure of every liquor store in central Ohio.

 

[Devils Trap]

Like this for Columbus. I woulda done it. Val is worth a little but more but he has baggage that hurts his value

Its a risk with a player like him but he very talented

 

[Ice9]

And some young Russians who may lift him up or kick him in the ass if called for. Worth a shot for CBJ!

 

[AslanRH]

That is a 4 year contract at over $6m folks.
He wasn't getting much more than that after declining production multiple years in a row and a history of missing chunks of time

 

[Ezekial]

they got room for that???

Just wait until you see the news about Brock Nelson and Nazim Kadri moving.

 

[Cool Hand Puke]

Having more than 4 defencemen probably.

It’s really that simple.

 

[Sota Popinski]

Clearing space for Robertson and or Larkin.

Yeah, I'm sure they'll trade those guys for two 2nds

 

[bov]

It’s crazy how torn everyone is in this thread about this trade haha.. I’m the other way, I am shocked Avs got this much in return for Nichushkin without retaining any salary… and I quite like Nichushkin lol

Nichushkin is basically a 2 way beast when healthy, Avs sold low here and 6 mil for 4 seasons these days is not bad at all unless he completely implodes. The likelihood of any of those draft picks becoming as good a player as Nichushkin is low, and probably wouldn't be truly impactful for 4-5+years even if they hit. Avs could parlay these picks into something else so there's that, but I'm still a bit surprised by the return.

There are some red flags with him obviously but I think Avs could have done better here. They basically needed the cap space and decided to forego a premium asset coming the other way.

 

[Muffin]

I like him more than most Avs fan on the ice but he's had injuries issues and his off ice issues were well documented.