The Colorado Avalanche are keeping a key member of their Stanley Cup-winning squad around.
According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Avs have inked Valeri Nichushkin to an eight-year contract that carries a $6.125 million cap hit.
Nichushkin, 27, joined the Avalanche in 2019 after not being able to gain traction in Dallas. He was the 10th overall selection in the 2013 draft, and after many years in Texas, it was time to part ways. Then general manager Joe Sakic took a swing on the big tenacious forward and inked him to a one-year deal. That season, he would tally 27 points and earned himself a rightful extension. Since then, he has only been making strides ahead.
This past season, Nichushkin set career highs in all departments, totaling 25 goals and 52 points in 62 games. He was a key contributor for the Avalanche throughout their Stanley Cup championship run, scoring nine goals and 15 points in 20 games.
Since arriving in Colorado, he has amassed 48 goals and 100 points in 182 regular season games. There was speculation that he would test free agency after his playoff performance, however, GM Chris MacFarland has retained Nichushkin’s services, and he’ll play a major role as the team looks to defend its title as Stanley Cup Champions.
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