Overview
- Multiple outlets report that Nichushkin was named in trade conversations after Elliotte Friedman mentioned his name Monday on the 32 Thoughts podcast.
- Nichushkin carries a $6.125 million average annual value on a front-loaded eight-year deal that has already paid roughly $29 million, so any trade would yield limited short-term cap relief.
- He holds a 12-team no-trade clause that narrows Colorado’s list of potential trade partners but still leaves more than half the league available.
- Injuries and a down 2025-26 campaign have clouded his value, as he played 72 games with 17 goals and 49 points and managed four points in 12 playoff games.
- The Avalanche have already moved Ross Colton to free cap space and face a thin defensive group for next season, so reports say they would likely seek blueline help or younger assets in return rather than immediate salary dumps.