Blue Jackets land Nichushkin to reshape forward group

The Columbus Blue Jackets acquired 31-year-old Valeri Nichushkin from the Avalanche in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick, 2027 third-rounder and 2028 fifth-rounder.

Trade timing amid roster flux

Columbus general manager Don Waddell executed the deal hours after stating the club would pursue improvements irrespective of Zach Werenski’s contract status. The 14th-overall draft pick remains available for further moves. Five pending unrestricted free agents, including captain Boone Jenner and Mason Marchment, create immediate roster holes that Nichushkin’s arrival partially addresses.

Waddell contrasted short-term spending with long-term flexibility by noting term concerns outweigh dollar figures when extending young players. Jenner appeared in only 67 games this season after 26 the prior year, underscoring injury risk. Marchment posted 15 goals in 39 games post-trade, yet both veterans appear headed for July 1 free agency.

The acquisition shifts cap allocation immediately, as Nichushkin’s $6.125-million hit becomes the highest among Columbus forwards for the next four seasons. Waddell told reporters the team would continue internal discussions with Werenski’s agent without requiring resolution before the draft.

Nichushkin’s production profile

Nichushkin tallied 17 goals and 32 assists for 49 points in 72 games during 2025-26, his first 70-game season since 2015-16. He posted 0.83 points per game across the prior five years despite multiple absences. Hot streaks included six goals and 14 points in 14 December games plus six points in eight April contests.

The 31-year-old averaged 0.68 points per game this season while skating on Colorado’s top lines. Columbus receives a proven two-way presence who wins puck battles and plays in high-danger areas, per the team’s official statement. His arrival directly bolsters a group missing consistent secondary scoring.

Waddell described Nichushkin’s skating, goal-scoring and physical play in the club’s news release, highlighting the forward’s ability to compete at an elite level. The trade therefore supplies immediate top-six depth without sacrificing the 2026 first-round selection.

Path forward for Columbus

Columbus has missed the playoffs since 2020, placing added pressure on Waddell to accelerate the rebuild. Nichushkin’s contract runs through 2030, locking in production while the team evaluates Werenski’s long-term commitment. The three future picks surrendered represent measured cost for a player who has maintained strong per-game output.

Waddell reiterated that roster decisions will prioritize keeping core young talent rather than matching external contract lengths. The Nichushkin addition supplies a veteran anchor who can stabilize lines around emerging players. Further deals remain possible before or during the draft weekend.

The move positions Columbus with greater forward certainty heading into July, even as five unrestricted free agents depart. Nichushkin’s established two-way game supplies the tangible on-ice upgrade Waddell targeted.