NHL Rumors: Nichushkin Might Not Be Going Anywhere

Colorado Rockies' winger Valeri Nichushkin has four points in the first two games of the Stanley Cup Finals, and his play has helped the team to grab a 2-0 lead in the series. 

He's about to become an unrestricted free agent — unless the Rockies have a say in the matter. And according to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, "the word is that Colorado has made him a priority."

The former Top 10 pick has elevated his play to another level this season, registering 52 points in 62 games, eclipsing his previous career-high by nearly 20 points. The Avs have indicated to him specifically that "they would like to keep him."

But whether he's priced himself out of their range is another question. The Avalanche will have a series of big-money extensions for some star players to add to the books in the near future, and might not be able to offer him what other teams could on the open market. 

Both Nichushkin and the Rockies will have an important choice to make this offseason.

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