Trader Joe is at it again, trading away Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin to the Columbus Blue Jackets for more draft picks. There is now another hole to fill in the Avs’ roster after the move.

Nichushkin departs the Avalanche after a revitalization of his career. His spell with the Dallas Stars did not end well before ending up in Colorado.

Nichushkin’s impact in Colorado

He finished his Avs career with 404 regular-season games played, 131 goals and 152 assists. His best season came in the 2021-22 season, where he had over 50 points en route to the Stanley Cup.

Nichushkin will be remembered for his hard forechecking and intense play to get on the puck. His ability to drive plays forward and hold onto the puck was crucial for Colorado.

Of course, people will also remember him for his off-ice incidents. The unknowns of the incident before a playoff game against the Seattle Kraken remain in question today, despite being cleared of any wrongdoing.

Furthermore, he had struggles with drugs and was suspended for six months. Previously, he was also dropped from the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs before Game Four against the Stars.

Now, he’ll head to Columbus and help be a part of the team-building there as they push for a place in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He will join former Avalanche players Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood with the Blue Jackets.


Meanwhile, the Avalanche continues to build up draft capital and clear up cap space. They have moved up in the NHL Draft coming up this weekend to the second round, picking 43rd overall.

In addition, there are two more picks acquired, including a third-round pick in 2027 and a fifth-round pick in 2028. However, the key for the Avs is an additional $6.125 million open on the books with the trade.

Colorado’s got some major work to do to fill in roster spots. More draft picks can make them happen, but we will see what Joe Sakic can get done in the coming week and more.