Valeri Nichushkin isn’t going anywhere. The Colorado Avalanche announced that they have re-signed the forward to an eight-year deal that will keep him in an Avs uniform through the 2029-30 season.
The announcement comes on the heels of reports that the two parties were trying to work out a deal.
Massive contract for Valeri Nichushkin. He's no longer a depth or supplemental piece. He's part of the core.#Avs new deal with the 27-year-old is eight years with a $6.125 million AAV per @reporterchris
— Aarif Deen (@runwriteAarif) July 11, 2022
During the 2021-22 season, Nichushkin set several career marks, including 25 goals and 27 assists. He capped off his remarkable year with by scoring nine goals and tallying six assists to help the Avalanche claim the Stanley Cup.
“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. “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.”
This is the latest move by Sakic to maintain a championship-level team for next season. He acquired goaltender Alexandar Georgiev in a trade with the New York Rangers and inked him to a three-year contract.
There are still several question marks remaining up and down the roster, but locking up Nichushkin was certainly a priority for Sakic.
