SKA head coach addresses suspended $49,000,000 Valeri Nichushkin's probable move to KHL

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Aug 07, 2024 06:36 GMT

SKA head coach Roman Rotenberg has talked about the possibility of Valeri Nichushkin moving to the KHL. Nichushkin is in stage three of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program and is still under contract with the Colorado Avalanche. His deal has six years and over $35 million remaining.

Rumors about Nichushkin’s move surfaced after Evgeny Kuznetsov joined the KHL. Rotenberg didn’t rule out Nichushkin joining SKA if he leaves the NHL. He said he and Nichushkin are in good contact, but it’s unclear if Nichushkin will end up with SKA.

“I was talking to Nichushkin. He and I are on very good terms, we talked to him in the spring,” Rotenberg said (via coloradohockeynow.com). “Will he be in SKA? We’ll wait and see. Everything is possible.

"But today, as far as I understand from Nichushkin himself, he remains in the NHL. Colorado is counting on him, despite all his problems. And he wants to play there himself.”

Russian journalist Daria Tuboltseva reported that SKA might "wait for Valeri Nichushkin by December." However, such rumors should be taken with caution.

Kuznetsov’s situation is different from Nichushkin’s. Kuznetsov had just one year left on his deal. Nichushkin’s contract is much longer. It’s an eight-year, $49 million deal with a $5 million signing bonus and an average annual salary of $6.125 million.

Nichushkin’s NHL future is unclear. His suspension is at least six months but might be longer. Team performance and his choices will affect his return. SKA’s interest adds a new possibility, but his future is still uncertain.

Colorado Avalanche GM earlier said Valeri Nichushkin was a "massive piece" and key to success

On May 23, 2024, the Colorado Avalanche said they will keep forward Valeri Nichushkin despite recent off-ice issues. Nichushkin is now in Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, leading to a six-month unpaid suspension. He can apply to return after this period.

Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland confirmed the team's support for Nichushkin. He noted Nichushkin’s key role and the impact of his absence.

"You see the number and get a pit in your stomach. That was a tough one," MacFarland said (via sportsnet). "Val is a massive piece of our on-ice puzzle. Our record with him and without him is obviously very telling. He's a super hockey player. ... There's not a member of our organization who doesn't want Val to get stuff right in his own life so that he can be in a good place."

Valeri Nichushkin had a strong season, scoring 28 goals and 53 points, and performed well in the playoffs before his suspension. He entered the assistance program in January, took a two-month break, and returned in March.