The Columbus Blue Jackets have made their first big move of the off-season.

The Blue Jackets have acquired forward Valeri Nichushkin from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 third-round pick, and a 2028 fifth-round pick.

Nichushkin had been one of the NHL's top trade candidates this off-season due to the Avalanche's limited cap space. Now, the Blue Jackets are the lucky team that has landed him. 

With the Blue Jackets having two notable pending unrestricted free agents in Mason Marchment and Boone Jenner, it makes sense that they are bringing in a forward like Nichushkin. He has the potential to be a strong addition to Columbus' top six. 

In 72 games this past season with the Avalanche, Nichushkin posted 17 goals, 49 points, and a plus-9 rating. This is after he had 21 goals and 34 points in 43 games for the Avalanche during the 2024-25 campaign. He also had an impressive 28 goals and 53 points in just 54 games for Colorado during the 2023-24 season. 

Nichushkin is a long-term addition for the Blue Jackets, too, as he has a $6.125 million cap hit through the 2029-30 season. 

In 627 career NHL games over 11 seasons, Nichushkin has recorded 154 goals, 203 assists, and 357 points.