Valeri Nichushkin became an overnight sensation during the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but the Colorado Avalanche’s decision to heavily invest in him based on recent performance has led to significant challenges that the team has struggled to overcome.
For some fans, it may be disappointing to learn that Nichushkin will likely be back in a Colorado Avalanche uniform in a few months. The winger is currently suspended until November as he goes through stage three of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. After the Avalanche won their third Stanley Cup in 2022, they awarded Nichushkin an eight-year, $49 million contract. However, this deal has proven to be a significant setback so far.
A former Russian National team scout, who claims to be close to Nichushkin, has indicated that the 29-year-old is expected to return by November, although he still needs approval from the NHL and NHLPA to resume play. The end of his suspension doesn’t automatically mean he will be cleared to play; his return will depend on his progress in the program. The scout, Sergey Fedotov, also mentioned that Nichushkin’s initial reason for entering the Player Assistance Program was related to “sleep problems.”
“According to Nichushkin, the scenario is 95% clear: he comes back in November completely prepared, trains, consults with a psychologist, and continues the season. “That’s all,” he told Sports.Ru. “In November, Valeri Nichushkin returns to Colorado in fine shape and resumes playing. There are no more questions. He has all the prohibitions against exchanges.”
Fedotov also said that Nichushkin is supported by fellow Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon, but there may be numerous people who would like to see him leave, including franchise owner Stan Kroenke. Having said that, if Nichushkin does get to lace up the skates in November, he’ll be on a very short leash. What isn’t being discussed are the lessons Colorado can take from this saga.
Nichushkin Contract was risky all along
The situation with Valeri Nichushkin has proven to be a double-edged sword. He quickly became a star during Colorado’s Stanley Cup run, but the decision to reward him with a large contract was heavily influenced by recent success. Aside from a couple of full seasons with the Dallas Stars early in his career, Nichushkin has rarely played a full season. He appeared in 79 of 82 games for the Stars in both the 2013-14 and 2015-16 seasons and played 65 games for the Avalanche in his first year with the team in 2019-20. Since then, he hasn’t exceeded that number. His impressive performance in the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs led Colorado to offer him a substantial deal. However, his career has been marked by inconsistency until his breakout season in 2021-22. In hindsight, the Avalanche might have been better off letting him go.
It’s easy to criticize in retrospect, and such assessments might seem obvious now. Despite his stellar playoff performance, Nichushkin had a limited track record of consistent achievement. In contrast, Nathan MacKinnon, who has averaged 99 points per year since the 2017-18 season and recently won both the Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award, clearly earned his large salary. Nichushkin, despite his talent, has struggled with consistency and has often found himself in trouble off the ice, which does not justify a $6 million annual salary. His career point totals of 47, 52, and 53 do not warrant such a high pay rate.
While it’s important to look forward, analyzing past decisions can help avoid repeating mistakes. Consider where the Avalanche might be if they had let Nichushkin go and retained Darcy Kuemper. Despite criticism from some fans, Kuemper played a crucial role in their championship run, facing the Tampa Bay Lightning while dealing with a significant eye injury. His efforts, including multiple visits to an optometrist during the playoffs, were pivotal in winning close games.
The team might have been better off avoiding the current goaltending situation with Alexandar Georgiev. Ultimately, the decision to invest heavily in Nichushkin and skimp on goaltending could be seen as a risky move that may backfire.
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