Career Timeline of Valeri Nichushkin: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 2, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Valeri Nichushkin made an impact.

Valeri Nichushkin is a Russian professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL. Drafted 10th overall by the Dallas Stars in 2013, he is known by the nicknames "Big Val", "Nuke", and "the Chu Chu Train". A key highlight of his career is winning the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

May 1, 2013: Nichushkin Transfers to Dynamo Moscow

On May 1, 2013, after one season in the KHL, Nichushkin transferred from Traktor Chelyabinsk to Dynamo Moscow, signing a two-year contract that was conditionally terminated to allow him to play in the NHL.

October 3, 2013: First NHL Game

On October 3, 2013, Nichushkin played his first regular season NHL game against the Florida Panthers.

2013: Drafted by Dallas Stars

In 2013, Valeri Nichushkin was selected by the Dallas Stars in the first round, 10th overall, of the NHL entry draft.

March 2015: Rejoins Team After Surgery

In March 2015, Nichushkin rejoined his team, practicing in a red no-contact jersey, after rehabbing in New Jersey following hip surgery.

2015: Restricted Free Agency

In 2015, Nichushkin was a restricted free agent. He and the Stars failed to agree to common ground in contract negotiations.

September 20, 2016: Traded to CSKA Moscow

On September 20, 2016, Nichushkin's KHL rights were traded from Dynamo Moscow to CSKA Moscow due to unhappiness with his role in the Stars lineup. He subsequently signed a two-year contract to return to the KHL with CSKA, while the Stars retained his NHL rights.

July 1, 2018: Returns to Stars Organization

On July 1, 2018, after two seasons with CSKA, Nichushkin returned to the Stars organization, agreeing to a two-year, $5.9 million contract.

June 2019: Placed on Waivers and Bought Out

In June 2019, after a disappointing 2018-19 season, Nichushkin was placed on unconditional waivers by the Stars and subsequently bought out from the remaining year of his contract.