Three Players the Detroit Red Wings could add in Free Agency
By Bob Heyrman
Valeri Nichushkin career stats- 223GP | 23G | 51A | 74P
The former 10th overall pick back in the 2013 NHL Entry Level draft by the Dallas Stars has struggled to find his way in the NHL. The talented Russian started right away in the league as an 18-year old immediately producing the best year of his young career.
In Valeri Nichushkin‘s first season, he recorded 14 goals, totaled 34 points and was a plus 20 on the season. He also averaged 14:58 TOI per game through 79 games played which would also be the most in a single season he’d play to date.
After playing three seasons as a member of the Dallas Stars, Nichushkin decided he had aspirations to return home and play a couple of seasons in the KHL. Although he produced his best points per game ratio of his career in the KHL he still didn’t eclipse the 30-point season he enjoyed in his NHL rookie season.
Nuchushkin opted to return to the Dallas Stars last season, but disappointingly, the winger failed to score a goal through 57 games. He did record 10 assists but his inability to produce offensively led to the Stars buying out his contract this summer. By doing so, they freed up $2.25-million allowing enough flexibility to sign veterans Corey Perry & Joe Pavelski.
The Detroit Red Wings may want to take a flier on the now 6’4, 24-year old winger at a league minimum salary if he indeed is still interested in trying his luck at the NHL level. I could see Valeri fleeing back to Russia again to continue his professional career, but the Detroit Red Wings have a rich history of Russian success that could remain intriguing to a young player. It would be a low risk, medium reward if he were able to produce some offense on the teams’ fourth line.