Reports of Valeri Nichushkin’s KHL struggles not true

Despite reports, Valeri Nichushkin has not been demoted from the KHL

Reports and speculation poured in Tuesday that Valeri Nichushkin was struggling in the KHL. However, new information presented Wednesday reveals these claims are not true.

Since the Dallas Stars drafted Nichushkin 10th overall in the 2013 NHL Draft, he hasn’t lived up to his full potential. Dallas offered him a qualifying offer, but Nichushkin remained a restricted free agent and explored his options. In the end, he decided to return to his home country and signed with the KHL’s CSKA Moscow. The Stars still retain rights to the 21-year-old, and hope he can improve over in Russia.

On Tuesday, self-proclaimed KHL reporter Alvis Kalnins reported that CSKA Moscow assigned Nichushkin to the VHL. For those unfamiliar, the VHL is equivalent to the “minors” in North American hockey. He tweeted out the following Tuesday:

"“Team is not happy with Nichushkin’s performance, coach went after him, hearing team is considering releasing him from his contract.” – Kalnins via Twitter"

Despite these claims, the situation is false. Credentialed KHL reporter Igor Eronko cleared the air Wednesday.

Nichushkin is still with the team and will continue to skate with them. In nine KHL games so far, he has put up five points (two goals, three assists). Though he is not performing tremendously well, there’s no validity to claims of trouble.

In 77 games with Dallas last season, Nichushkin put up 29 points (nine goals, 20 assists). He has struggled when it comes to offense in the NHL but has potential to improve. Not only does the 6-foot-4, 205-pound forward possess size, but he has great stickhandling ability and a wicked shot. He just needs to improve when it comes to finishing his plays and needs to share the puck more.

Hopefully, he does improve in the KHL, but for now, he is not struggling by any means.