Blue Jackets Acquire Valeri Nichushkin From Avalanche for Draft Picks

Just hours after holding his pre-draft media availability, Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell went right back to work. He was able to land a top-6 winger the team was looking for.

The Blue Jackets acquired winger Valeri Nichushkin from the Colorado Avalanche for three draft picks, including the 43rd overall pick this year, a 2027 third rounder and a 2028 fifth rounder. The Blue Jackets took on the full cap hit of $6.125 million on the remaining four years of his contract.

Nichushkin had a 12-team no trade list. The Blue Jackets were not on that list so no modifications were needed.

What Blue Jackets Get in Nichushkin

The Blue Jackets clearly identified a top-nine winger as a need going into this offseason. Nichushkin fits that bill and improves the team on multiple levels.

Here was what Waddell had to say about acquiring Nichushkin.

“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. 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.”

Nichushkin spent the last seven seasons with the Avalanche. When he was available, he was a big part of their deep playoff runs. He brings in 91 games of NHL playoff experience.

Nichushkin can score. He can play defense. He will be an asset on the penalty kill. He is willing to play hard minutes. He fits the kind of profile that would excel in a Rick Bowness type system. He is a force at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds.

The Blue Jackets were able to keep their first-round pick at 14th overall. Although they had to part with three picks in three different years, they’re all later in the draft and can be recovered in future trades if necessary.

As for the cap hit, it would be a lower percentage as the cap continues to go up. With team control for four more years, Nichushkin will be able to help on both wings on multiple lines.

The concerns are his availability and injury history. When he’s been in, the impact is clear. But there was enough concern from Colorado plus their desire to shed salary that led them to make this trade.

What’s Next For Blue Jackets

For the Blue Jackets, the NHL Draft is next. It is expected that some other moves will happen. The question is how many and how big.

By acquiring Nichushkin, the Blue Jackets got the help on the wing they really needed. Knowing they need to win now, they will continue searching for solutions that make sense given all the noise around them with the Zach Werenski situation.

The 14th pick is available if the Blue Jackets get a strong return for now help. But it is possible they now use that pick when they’re on the clock.

The Blue Jackets roster got better on Thursday without trading a current player away. Let’s see what else Waddell has in store.