Avalanche Sign Valeri Nichushkin To Long-Term Extension

Valeri Nichushkin will officially not be hitting the open market. The Avalanche have signed the 27-year-old winger to a massive eight-year, $49 million contract extension.

Talk about a career turnaround. Just a few years ago, Nichushkin was deemed as being a bust by hockey fans because he struggled with the Stars. However, things have changed immensely since then, and this campaign is a perfect indicator of that.

In 62 games on the year, Nichushkin scored 25 goals and recorded 52 points. With that, he also recorded 15 points in 20 playoff games. His strong defensive play and offensive production made him the Avalanche's primary pending UFA to re-sign. Now, they have done just that, and he will be with the Avalanche for eight more years.