Valeri Nichuskin
Valeri Nichushkin has been one of the most underrated players in the NHL over the last few seasons. At a cap hit of just $2.5 Million he put up 52 points in 62 games this season as a member of the Avalanche. But it’s not just points that makes Nichushkin stand out, he’s an analytical darling as well. For this reason, he may be a hot commodity this off-season.
Val Nichushkin is for real. Look at the time on ice and quality of competition - no excuses anymore. Dude is a legitimately high-end two-way playdriver. #GoAvsGo https://t.co/UZrHV7VY7I pic.twitter.com/ZHrrVx0mNw
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) April 11, 2022
And if that’s not good enough, the man is also 6 foot 4, so he’s got the size as well. Now let’s think for a second here, where could the Canadiens use a big, left-shot winger that also has a ton of skill? Yeah I think the Habs have a spot for him, right on that top line with Caufield and Suzuki. That’s a pretty solid free agent pitch. The question is, will Colorado let Nichushkin leave? And can the Habs win the bidding war for him if they’re interested?
It certainly wouldn’t hurt to try. Nichushkin is only 27 years old, and is coming of the best season in his career. But as mentioned previously, he’s also very good analytically, something the latest Habs hire Christopher Boucher probably knows a little bit about. I think this move would make a lot of sense for Montreal, but like always, it will come down to the contract, and mutual interest.
It’s tough to go from the high-flying Colorado Avalanche to the Montreal Canadiens who just finished last place. And while the Canadiens can offer him playing time and a spot on the top line, the Canadiens may not be willing to throw a ton of money Nichushkin’s way, especially with the little cap flexibility the Canadiens already have. That being said, signing Nichushkin would go a long way for Montreal and they should absolutely kuck tires on him. He’s got size, a great set of hands, and he’s tremendous defensively as well. What’s not to like?