NHL Trade: Avalanche & Blue Jackets Complete Trade For Valeri Nichushkin

The Columbus Blue Jackets were in the market to add a top-six forward, and have done so. They've acquired right wing Valeri Nichushkin from the Colorado Avalanche for three picks in upcoming drafts.

Full trade details:

To #CBJ:
RW Valeri Nichushkin

To #GoAvsGo:
2026 2nd Round Pick
2027 3rd Round Pick
2028 5th Round Pick

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 25, 2026

Colorado gets Columbus's second-round pick, 43rd overall, in the 2026 NHL Draft, along with a third-round pick (2027) and a fifth-rounder (2028). 

Nichushkin has four years remaining on his contract at a $6.125 million AAV. He should slide onto the second line for Columbus, alongside Charlie Coyle and Cole Sillinger (once the RFA has been re-signed). 

Valeri Nichushkin is coming off one heck of a season with the Avs, per @hockeystatcards. Plays in all situations, makes an impact offensively and defensively against good competition. He's 31 and health has been a concern, but he's a darn good top-6 wing.https://t.co/fNycs94jMX pic.twitter.com/fbFWkKbvfT

— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) June 25, 2026

The numbers show that Nichushkin had a strong year in Colorado, with 17 goals and 49 points in 72 games with excellent two-way play. He will be a nice fit for the Jackets.

"Valeri is a big, strong forward who skates exceptionally well, can score goals, win puck battles and doesn’t shy away from playing in the hard areas,” said Waddell. “He is an accomplished two-way player who competes at a high level and we are very excited to welcome him to the Blue Jackets family."

The 31-year-old 6-foot-4 forward, in 627 career games over 11 NHL campaigns, has totaled 154 goals and 203 assists for 357 points, with an impressive +109 plus/minus rating. 

This move means that UFA Mason Marchment, who we learned this week is going to market on July 1, will definitely not be back in Columbus.