Colorado Avalanche

Avalanche Looking to Make Big Trade?: ‘I’ve Started to Hear His Name a Little Bit’

The Colorado Avalanche have Valeri Nichushkin’s name out htere in trade talks as they look for more salary cap flexibility.

by
NHL Trade Talk
June 22, 2026

Elliotte Friedman thinks that Valeri Nichushkin might be available in a trade. “I’ve started to hear Nichushkin’s name a little bit,” said the NHL insider. ” As the Colorado Avalanche look for a little cap flexibility heading into the NHL Draft and free agency, GM and President Joe Sakic might be open to trading the forward.

On the latest episode of 32 Thoughts, Friedman reported that the Avalanche have included Nichushkin in trade discussions as they look to create financial flexibility this offseason. The 31-year-old is signed through 2029-30 with a $6.125 million cap hit and holds a 12-team no-trade clause, giving Colorado some room to explore potential deals. “Colorado is looking for some flexibility, I think. His name is out there. We’ll see.”

Nichushkin’s time in Colorado has been productive but inconsistent due to injuries. From 2021 to 2025, he played just 64.6% of the team’s games, though he still produced at a strong rate—projecting to roughly 35 goals and 72 points over a full season. He’s also been a proven playoff performer, with 24 goals in his last 49 postseason games.

This past season, he appeared in over 70 games for the first time in years and finished with 17 goals and 49 points. That said, the Avalanche need more out of him if they’re going to commit to continually paying him over $6 million per season.

For another team that has the money and room under the cap, Nichushkin could be an intriguing option. While his scoring dipped, his size, physicality, and two-way play remain appealing.

<a rel= — Valeri Nichushkin Avalanche return

Nichushkin is halfway through an eight-year contract, but his deal was heavily front-loaded, and the Avs have already paid out nearly $29 million of the $49 million salary through the first four years. He is set to earn a $1 million bonus and a $4.8 million base salary in 2026-27.

The Avalanche are moving money, some of which will go to the extension for Cale Makar and possibly a new contract for Jack Drury.

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