Blue Jackets trade for winger Valeri Nichushkin from Avalanche

The Columbus Blue Jackets acquired winger Valeri Nichushkin from the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday. In the deal, Columbus sent the 43rd pick in this weekend's draft, a third-round pick next year, and a fifth-rounder in 2028 to Colorado. Nichushkin, who has four years left on his contract at $6.125 million per season, brings scoring and two-way play potential after his notable contributions during Colorado's 2022 Stanley Cup run. His past off-ice issues had raised questions about his availability in recent seasons. The trade allows Colorado to create salary cap space as they seek to extend star defenseman Cale Makar. The move comes ahead of the NHL draft, which is set for tomorrow.

• 9:50 PMYahoo Sports — Blue Jackets acquire winger Valeri Nichushkin in a trade with the Avalanche