Blue Jackets Acquire Valeri Nichushkin from Avalanche for Three Draft Picks

The Columbus Blue Jackets have acquired right wing Valeri Nichushkin from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick (43rd overall), a 2027 third-round pick, and a 2028 fifth-round pick, the teams announced Thursday. The 31-year-old Russian forward brings size, speed, and scoring ability to Columbus's top-six forward group, where he is expected to play alongside young center Adam Fantilli and right winger Kirill Marchenko, or potentially on the second line with veteran Sean Monahan.

Nichushkin has 357 points in 627 career NHL games across 11 seasons with the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche. With Colorado, he recorded 283 points in 404 games over seven seasons and was a key contributor to the Avalanche's 2022 Stanley Cup championship, posting nine goals and 15 points in 20 playoff games that year. He signed an eight-year extension with an average annual value of $6.125 million after that championship season and has four years remaining on his deal, which includes a 12-team no-trade clause. This past season, Nichushkin recorded 17 goals and 49 points in 72 games, his most appearances since the 2015-16 season.

The 6-foot-4, 210-pound forward has been a two-way force in the NHL, appearing on Selke Award ballots in four of his seven seasons with Colorado. His peak season came in 2023-24 when he scored 28 goals and 53 points in 54 games. However, his production declined this past season, and he managed only two goals and four points in 12 playoff games before suffering a lower-body injury that caused him to miss Colorado's final game of the Western Conference Finals, which the Vegas Golden Knights swept.

For the Avalanche, the trade represents the latest move in a significant roster shakeup and salary cap management strategy. Colorado has now removed three members of its Stanley Cup-winning roster this offseason—Nichushkin, Ross Colton, and restricted free agent Jack Drury—creating approximately $10 million in salary cap flexibility. The Avalanche, who won the Presidents' Trophy last season, have accumulated 10 draft selections for the 2026 NHL Draft, with this trade adding the 43rd overall pick. The salary cap flexibility gained is expected to allow Colorado to make strategic acquisitions later in the offseason or during the regular season.

Nichushkin's arrival gives the Blue Jackets a proven scorer and skilled player who addresses needs in speed and top-six depth. Columbus general manager Don Waddell stated: "Valeri is a big, strong forward who skates exceptionally well, can score goals, win puck battles and doesn't shy away from playing in the hard areas. He is an accomplished two-way player who competes at a high level and we are very excited to welcome him to the Blue Jackets family." The acquisition represents a significant investment in improving Columbus's offensive capabilities.