The Dallas Stars’ 2013 first-round pick is currently spending some of the best years of his career over in the KHL in Russia. Could a coaching change be enough to lure him back to the NHL as early as next season?
The Dallas Stars’ track record with now 22 year old Valeri Nichushkin has been an interesting one to say the least. Drafted 10th overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Nichushkin was a promising young forward with a lot of potential.
Fast forward four years and his tenure with the Stars has been anything but promising. Nichushkin departed the team following the 2015-16 season when he signed with CSKA Moscow of the KHL, but Dallas’ recent coaching change could prompt talks of a return to the Lone Star State.
Reasons Why He Left
Nichushkin was merely 21 years old upon deciding to leave the NHL to return to his native Russia for what he deemed to be a better opportunity for hockey. That coupled with the two sides’ inability to come to an agreement on a new contract led him to depart.
He was upset with his lack of playing time on the Stars and felt under appreciated and ignored in the locker room based on his comments.
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His animosity toward the team and the league itself grew as he progressed in his NHL experience. That, however, translated into little on ice success only furthering the problems he faced. Nichushkin’s lackluster performances in games for the team prompted then head coach Lindy Ruff to sit No. 43 out or severely limit his playing time.
Doing so must have aggravated the young forward, especially considering he was drafted so high in a rather competitive year. Nichushkin’s ego ultimately got the best of him as he left behind the Stars organization for the KHL, with his NHL rights still belonging to Dallas in the event of a return.
Why He Might Return
Nichushkin and Ruff did not see eye to eye on how his role worked into the Stars’ overall game plan. He was underperforming offensively, posting only 29 points in 79 games during the 2015-16 year, but expecting a salary increase regardless.
Mile High Sticking
That coupled with Ruff’s tendency to change lines every game seemingly hindered Nichushkin’s ability to find consistency and hurt his game. However, with Ruff’s time in Dallas having come to a close, the door might be open for conversations with Nichushkin about his potential return.
He signed a two year deal with his KHL team, and it’s unknown whether he can opt out of that contract to return to the NHL. There are a couple of potential scenarios that could bring him back this offseason, though. But they all rest on what the KHL rules are.
No. 43 is still a young, capable forward with a lot to learn, but he also has a lot to offer.
The Stars have looked to improve since their season ended in early April. They have added head coach Ken Hitchcock and goaltender Ben Bishop to the bench in hopes of taking a step in the right direction.
Dallas’s alterations thus far this offseason might be tempting for the young forward to at least consider a return to the organization that drafted him only a few short years ago.
Removing Ruff’s leadership from behind the bench in favor of a highly praised coach in addition to signing a goaltender with the capabilities of Bishop might just be enough to open the door between the Stars and Nichushkin.
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By no means does that translate to him suiting up in victory green come puck drop in October, but No. 43 could be back on the ice in Big D sooner than people think.