When the Colorado Avalanche signed Val Nichuskin to a one year contract at the end of August, most expected him to be nothing more than training camp filler that was destined for the AHL Eagles. After all, he hadn’t scored a goal in the NHL since March 4th, 2016.
The Avalanche were a team with a number of new faces and a glut of bottom-6 capable forwards, so the Nichushkin signing was puzzling to most fans. But Joe Sakic was willing to take a chance on the former 10th overall pick and gave him the opportunity to show he can make an impact in the NHL.