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Report: Valeri Nichushkin struggling in KHL, demoted to minors

By Sammi Silber

Mar 31, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars right wing Valeri Nichushkin (43) waits for play to begin against the Arizona Coyotes at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars right wing Valeri Nichushkin (43) waits for play to begin against the Arizona Coyotes at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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It looks as if former Dallas Stars forward Valeri Nichushkin hasn’t fared well over in Russia.

As per reports from  KHL reporter Alvis Kalnins, CSKA Moscow assigned Valeri Nichushkin to Zvezda Chekov of the VHL. The VHL is equivalent to the AHL, or the “minors” in North American hockey.

Nichushkin’s NHL career hasn’t exactly panned out as he’d hoped since he was taken 10th overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. As a rookie in 2013-14, Nichushkin posted 34 points (14 G, 20 A) and had a decent season. He played only eight games the following year due to a hip injury. In 2015-16, he posted just 29 points (nine goals, 20 assists) through 79 games.

Prior to free agency, Dallas extended Nichushkin a qualifying offer before July 1. However, he never decided to sign the deal and remained a restricted free agent. In late September, he made the choice to play in his home country, signing with the KHL’s CSKA Moscow. Despite the fact that the 21-year-old signed in a different league, the Stars still retain his rights.

Nichushkin possesses a massive frame and plenty of offensive potential. He’s a great skater, as well as a proven scorer. But his inconsistency, as well as lack of offensive awareness, leads to struggles when it comes to generating chances. Not to mention, he too often takes matters into his own hands, even when he can’t finish the plays he starts.

Some speculated that head coach Lindy Ruff didn’t have good chemistry with the young prospect, yet his struggles carried over to another continent.

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To bring more offense to the table, CSKA Moscow decided to bring in Nichushkin. The young forward even said himself that he would fill the void Alexander Radulov left behind when he went back to the NHL. However, he could not fulfill that promise, and only had five points (two goals, three assists) through nine games.

The KHL club isn’t thrilled with his play, which reportedly led to tension.

One can only hope that Nichushkin’s career gets better from this point. Dallas had said they wanted him to benefit from his time in Russia, and perhaps in the end, this will help him in a way. But right now, things don’t look great for the former first-rounder.

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