Valeri Nichushkin Bio, Age, Parents, Height, Wife, Net Worth

Valeri Nichushkin Bio, Age, Parents, Height, Wife, Net Worth – Valeri Ivanovich Nichushkin, also known as “Big Val” and “Nuke,” is a Russian professional ice hockey player who currently plays as a right winger for the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Valeri Nichushkin Biography

He was chosen as the 10th overall pick by the Dallas Stars during the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Nichushkin played his first NHL game in October 2013 and scored his first NHL goal in November of the same year.

After a successful rookie season, Nichushkin suffered from hip and groin soreness at the start of his second season, leading to hip surgery in November 2014. He subsequently rehabbed in New Jersey and returned to the Stars in March 2015. Following the conclusion of his entry-level contract in the 2015-16 season, Nichushkin and the Stars failed to come to a contractual agreement, leading him to sign with CSKA Moscow of the KHL.

Nichushkin returned to the Stars in the 2018-19 season but failed to score a goal in 57 games, leading to his buyout from the team. He then signed with the Colorado Avalanche in August 2019 and had a successful first season with the team, recording 13 goals and 27 points while receiving high praise for his defensive play.

In October 2020, the Avalanche re-signed Nichushkin to a 2-year, $5 million contract extension. In his third season with the team, he played in a top-six forward role, scoring a career-high 52 points in 62 games and adding 15 points in 20 playoff games. He was instrumental in helping the Avalanche win their first Stanley Cup in 21 years.

On July 11, 2022, Nichushkin signed an eight-year, $49 million extension with the Avalanche.