Well, we heard rumblings of a Val Nichushkin-related deal to start the week, and now we know our sources were right: the Russian forward and Stanley Cup Champion (with the Avalanche in 2022) will take his talents to Columbus, Ohio, to play with the Blue Jackets.
Colorado will, in return, receive Columbus’ 2nd-round pick at tomorrow’s draft (43rd overall), a 3rd-round pick in 2027, and a 5th-round pick in 2028.
This deal comes
as the latest installment in what has been a busy summer for Joe Sakic, who took back the GM duties from Chris MacFarland.
It will likely be met with polarizing reactions from Colorado Avalanche fans, as ‘Big Val’ was instrumental in getting Colorado back to the promised land in 2022.
The seasons since then have been tarnished by injuries and off-ice dealings, but it did appear that Val was getting back to form toward the end of the season and playoffs.
Val, at his best, is known as a forechecking nightmare with net-driving ability. He logged 283 points over 404 regular-season games (131 G, 152A) in Colorado and 33 points (20G, 13A) in 60 playoff contests.
He completely took over games in 2023 and is among Colorado’s best forwards over the last 5 or so years, but has been ridiculed for some untimely off-ice issues.
Nichushkin has since adopted a Nathan MacKinnon-like approach to health and wellness, according to my sources, so let’s hope Nichushkin stays happy and healthy well into the future.
The three draft picks feel like a deliberate attempt to restock the cupboards after MacFarland leveraged most of Colorado’s draft capital (and prospects) over the last few years in an unfulfilling attempt to hoist again.
This move should pave the way for a long-term Cale Makar extension, so there’s a silver lining for Avalanche fans who may feel disappointed today.
Let us know what you think of the deal in the comments!
