Valeri Nichushkin

Valeri Ivanovich Nichushkin, known as "Big Val," "Nuke," and "the Chu Chu Train," is a Russian professional ice hockey right winger in the National Hockey League (NHL). Notably, he was selected by the Dallas Stars in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft and currently plays with the Colorado Avalanche as of 2024.

Nichushkin recorded an impressive 14 goals and 20 assists during his rookie season but faced challenges the following year due to an injury, which led to a hip surgery in 2014. However, he gained attention after signing with the Avalanche prior to the 2019-20 season and stood-out with key performances throughout the season. His stats for the season stood at 13 goals and 14 assists scored over 65 regular season games. Considering his defensive play, Nichushkin was nominated for the Frank J. Selke Trophy.

Valeri Nichushkin’s Early Life

Valeri Nichushkin was born on March 14, 1995, in Chelyabinsk, Russia and holds Russian citizenship. Prior to moving to the States, Nichushkin began his career in the youth hockey program of Traktor Chelyabinsk, his hometown team.

Valeri slowly excelled at higher levels, like KHL, playing for the Dynamo Moscow. While at Dynamo, he was under a two-year contract but tore it and left for the National Hockey League (NHL) as he was drafted by the Dallas Stars.

Valeri Nichushkin’s Personal Life

Valeri Nichushkin made headlines in June 2018 when he posted pictures of his wedding ceremony with his long-time girlfriend Svetlana. They began dating in 2014 and decided to get married in 2018. Their wedding ceremony took place in Dubrovnik, Russia. Other than this, only sparse details are known about his personal life

Valeri Nichushkin's Family Background

Unfortunately, not much is known about Valeri Nichushkin's family background. Only his mother’s name is available. His mother is named Elena Nichushkina.

Interestingly, he also shares a connection with the Fletcher family (Paul and Sandra) as he stayed with them after he moved to the Dallas Stars.

Valeri Nichushkin's Girlfriend

Valeri Nichuskin is married to Svetlana, a native of Russia and a former gymnast and model. Svetlana attended international academy of business management and is an entrepreneur, having her own label named Lavarie, a lingerie and swimwear brand. She has her own store located in Afimall Greenwich Horizon, in Moscow, Russia.

Valeri Nichushkin’s Kids

Valeri Nichuskkin and Svetlana welcomed a baby girl named Anna in November 2023.

Svetlana later posted a video of her holding her daughter, saying” Thank You 2023 for her”

Valeri Nichushkin’s Social Media

Valrei Nichushkin is active on Instagram under the username @nicha43, where he has 572 posts alongside 65K followers.

Valeri Nichushkin’s Career Stats

Valeri Nichushkin’s entire career stats are provided below to showcase how good player he is:

Playoffs:

Valeri Nichushkin’s Contract

Valeri Nichushkin has signed a total of five contracts since he was drafted in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Nonetheless, the total value of these contracts stand at $67,125,000.

Looking back, his first contract was a three-year, entry-level deal worth $6,375,000 followed by a two-year extension worth $5,900,000 and a one-year contract with the Avalanche for $850,000. Soon after, he signed fis fourth contract which was worth $5,000,000 for a duration of two years. Lastly, as of now, he is under an eight-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche.

Valeri Nichushkin's Achievements

Valeri Nichushkin has quite a remarkable career to his credit. Internationally, he helped Russia to a gold medal (in the 2012 U17 Hockey Challenge) and further participated in World Junior Championships, achieving a bronze medal in 2013. Transitioning to senior championships with the Olympics in 2014, he later helped them claim bronze at the 2017 World Championships.

With regards to the National Hockey League (NHL), he recorded nine goals and six assists during the 2022 Stanley Cup run, which helped Avalanche claim their first Stanley Cup.

Valeri Nichushkin’s Cars

Valeri owns a BMW M3 and a black sedan Mercedes.