Insider on whether the Avalanche can terminate Nichushkin's contract

PUBLICATION

TJ Tucker
May 14, 2024 (2:40 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

TSN Insider Pierre Lebrun sheds some light on what options the Colorado Avalanche have when dealing with Valeri Nichushkin and his six-month suspension

With Valeri Nichushkin of the Colorado Avalanche now officially serving a six-month suspension from the NHL, his second in two years, there are many questions about what the team may do with his contract, and over what options they have. TSN's Pierre Lebrun is now shedding some light on that situation.

It's not exactly clear what happened for Nichushkin to end up back in the NHL's Player Assistance program. But, for those wondering whether Colorado might cut ties with Nichushkin completely via a contract termination, Lebrun says that can't happen.

"In case people are wondering, a league source said what has transpired here does not constitute grounds for the Avalanche to consider a contract termination. A league source also confirmed that Nichushkin will not count on the Avalanche's salary cap while he's suspended over the next six months. But if he's cleared from Stage 3 in six months, his contract goes back on the cap. That could be around November."

The Avalanche could choose to buy Nichushkin out of his current deal. According to Capfriendly's buyout calculator, that would cost the team a total of $26.5 million, and would be paid out in installments until after the 2035-36 season. Yes, 2036, not 2026. It's not an attractive option at all.

"The Val Nichushkin situation is going to be a fascinating to follow this off-season.

I've been told that this likely wouldn't qualify as grounds for contract termination."

As stated by Lebrun, the Avalanche want to be seen as being supportive of their players. At the same time, losing someone like Nichushkin twice in the past two postseasons is sure to ruffle feathers and cause his stock within the organization to drop. Regardless of what happens in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs for them, the Colorado Avalanche will have a huge decision to make over the summer.

POLL
MAI 14 \| 286 ANSWERS Insider on whether the Avalanche can terminate Nichushkin's contract Should Colorado part ways with Valeri Nichushkin after his second stint in the Players Assistance program?
Yes, time to move on	208	72.7 %
No, he deserves another chance	53	18.5 %
I'm not sure	25	8.7 %
List of polls

MUST READ

Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Brandon Hagel (38) controls the puck during the first period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

1 hour ago | By Tom Banks

Brandon Hagel Puts the Final Nail in the Coffin After Latest Shot at the Tkachuk Brothers and Team USA

Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goalie Jordan Binnington (50) stops Team United States forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

2 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Brady Tkachuk and Insider Both Give Devastating Update On Matthew Tkachuk's Injury Situation

Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Brad Marchand (63) lifts the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy after winning against Team USA in overtime during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

3 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente

Brad Marchand Puts the Tkachuk Brothers on Blast Following Championship Win

Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada defenseman Josh Morrissey (44) and forward Anthony Cirelli (71) try and find the loose puck during the second period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game against Team Finland at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

17 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery

Team Canada Star Defenseman Ruled Out Moments Before Final Showdown with Team USA

Feb 17, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Connor McDavid (97) shoots the puck while Team Finland defenseman Olli Maata (3) defends during the first period in a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

17 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery

American Reporter Mocks Connor McDavid Hours Ahead of the Biggest Game of his Life

Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

19 hours ago | By Tom Banks

NHL Players Reportedly Prioritizing Four Nations: Will Miss Time With Their Teams

Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward brandon Hagel (38) plays the puck and Team United States defenseman Charlie McAvoy (25) defends in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

22 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Charlie McAvoy Sends Team USA and the World a Message After Leaving the Hospital

Dec 12, 2024; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Dennis Cholowski (25) celebrates his goal against the Chicago Blackhawks with right wing Simon Holmstrom (10) during the second period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

23 hours ago | By Tom Banks