Avalanche re-signs forward Valeri Nichushkin to 8-year contract
The Avalanche is re-signing forward Valeri Nichushkin on an eight-year contract that runs through the 2029-30 season, the team announced late Monday afternoon.
The deal is valued at $49 million, according to media reports.
Nichushkin, 27, set career highs in goals (25), assists (27) and game-winning goals (five) last season. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound right wing was phenomenal during the Stanley Cup run with 15 points (nine goals).
“Signing Val to a long-term deal was a top priority for us this offseason, as he would have been one of the most sought-after forwards on the open market,” said Avalanche president of hockey operations Joe Sakic in a news release. “Val is a big, strong, fast, tenacious winger who is relentless on the puck. He can play on the first line with our top guys, you can move him up and down the lineup. He plays power play, penalty kill, any situation you need him to.
“He works hard off the ice as well in the gym and is a humble person and great teammate. He is such an important player in our lineup and a huge reason why we won the Stanley Cup.”
Retaining Nichuskin is one of many difficult roster decisions facing the Avalanche this offseason. Colorado has several significant contributors who are pending unrestricted free agents in forwards Andre Burakovsky, Nazem Kadri, Darren Helm and Nico Sturm — plus defensemen Jack Johnson, Josh Manson and Ryan Murray. Starting goalie Darcy Kuemper will not return to Colorado after the Avs traded for Alexandar Georgiev (Rangers).
The Avalanche has re-signed forward Andrew Cogliano and defenseman Jacob MacDonald.
