If there is one thing on General Manager Joe Sakic’s to-do list is re-signing Valeri Nichushkin. The Russian winger has had a monster season with the high-flying Colorado Avalanche, including the postseason. It has been reported that Joe Sakic wants to make him a priority, and should be something to look for come free agency. It’s a numbers game, and Nichushkin has cemented his case to get paid handsomely.
Why He is Worth The Contract
The Dallas Stars may have been onto something even they Drafted the winger in the first round in 2The problem was that his time in Dallas did not go so well. Aside from his rookie campaign, the winger had two seasons where he did not put the puck in the net. The potential was there for the forward, it just never came together and now the Avalanche are reaping the benefits.
It was a sneaky move by Joe Sakic when he signed him and it has paid off since. In three seasons with the Colorado Avalanche, Valeri Nichushkin has scored double-digit goals three times and eclipsed 20 points three times, including his career year this season.
Nichuskin is off to a career year. The Russian winger scored 25 goals, 27 assists and a total of 52 points. He finished top ten among all players on the Avalanche this season. The 6’4 210 pound winger uses his size effectively and has become a lethal power forward in today’s game. His possession numbers were great as he finished the season with a whopping 58% Corsi For Percentage. The biggest stat his on-ice goals percentage. He finished with a 62.8%.
His rock-solid play carried over into the postseason. He currently sits fifth in points with 15 and has scored 9 goals, which is third on the team. Yes the Colorado Avalanche are a wagon of a team led by Nathan Mackinnon and Cale Makar, but the big Russian winger is doing his part.
Closing Thoughts
It will be interesting to see how Joe Sakic goes about the season. Nathan Mackinnon will be due a significant raise from his current deal, and Darcy Kuemper is likely headed to free agency. While they may need a goalie, Sakic will turn his attention to his star winger. Nichushkin is 27 years old and should be headed for his prime years. Whether Sakic pays him or not, the man will get paid handsomely.
