The Colorado Avalanche had a respectable run in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Yet, their hopes ended early with a second-round 4-2 series loss to the Dallas Stars. Among the losses was Valeri Nichushkin, who is under suspension for six months after a failed drug test. Nichushkin's situation creates an intriguing complication for the Avs when it comes to resigning Jonathan Drouin in NHL free agency.
Veteran agent Allan Walsh represents Drouin and David Person, both of which will be unrestricted free agents. Walsh indicated that he expects to meet with Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman on Perron and Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland on Drouin within the next week, per The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.
However, things will be a little tricky with negotiations for Drouin. Colorado will have to consider Valeri Nichushkin's contract when making plans for Drouin to return, LeBrun explained. Once Nichushkin serves his suspension, it is plausible that he will return to the Avalanche, as stated by Chris MacFarland.
“What I can say to you at this time is we've got to look at all options. At this time, priority one is for Val to get all the help that he needs. And you know, assuming he does, after the six months we'll have to read and react on that but it is very plausible that he will be back with the Avalanche,” MacFarland said during Colorado's May 23rd press conference on Thursday.
Will MacFarland and Colorado keep Nichushkin and Jonathan Drouin together as the NHL free agency period approaches?
Avalanche look to return strong after respectable playoff run
Colorado finished the 2023-24 season with a 50-25-7 record and 107 points. As a result, they ranked third in the Central Division standings and earned a Stanley Cup Playoff berth. The Avalanche battled through the Winnipeg Jets and faced a stout Dallas Stars team in the semifinals.
After taking a 1-0 series lead, Colorado allowed Dallas to rally and go up 3-1. The Avalanche put up a final fight in Game 5 with a 5-3 victory that closed the gap. However, the Stars put Colorado's fire out with a series-ending 2-1 Game 6 victory.
Valeri Nichushkin's suspension hurt the Avalanche. He was on the verge of making history with a goal streak that he increased in Game 1 against the Stars.
“Valeri Nichushkin (8-1—9 in 6 GP) was pivotal in Colorado’s three-goal comeback win in Game 1 by scoring the first of his team’s three straight goals in regulation,” NHL Public Relations announced. “His string of success was established at the start of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs and enters Game 2 with the opportunity to join Pat LaFontaine (7 GP in 1992 w/ BUF) as just the second player in NHL history to score in each of his club’s first seven games of a postseason.”
Colorado still retained Jonathan Drouin's services, but it was not enough to get them over the hump. With an offseason to improve and develop more chemistry, the Avalanche have a chance to make a deeper run in 2025.
It will be interesting to see what the team looks like ahead of the 2024-25 season start.
Follow Us
Subscribe