Avalanche trade Valeri Nichushkin to Columbus Blue Jackets
The Colorado Avalanche traded right wing Valeri Nichushkin to the Columbus Blue Jackets on June 25, 2026, receiving a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick. Nichushkin is 31 years old, listed at 6'4" and 210 pounds, and carries a $6.125 million cap hit with four years remaining on his contract. During his time in Colorado he averaged under 60 games per season but provided middle-six scoring and two-way value when healthy. Columbus adds a veteran top-six-size winger as it tries to accelerate a return to the playoffs; GM Don Waddell said he will meet with defenseman Zach Werenski in the near future to assess Werenski's willingness to stay, a talk the team must balance alongside integrating Nichushkin. For Colorado the move continues an offseason roster revamp and converts Nichushkin's remaining contract into three future draft assets. Columbus now assumes Nichushkin's significant cap charge, which will factor into how the Blue Jackets deploy him this season or structure further roster moves.
