Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

Valeri Nichushkin Is Happy In Denver

01/05/2020 at 1:05pm EST

from Mike Chambers of the Denver Post,

Making eye contact in the locker room seems impossible from afar. And with tribal tattoos attached to his physically imposing 6-foot-4, 220-pound frame, some might think Nichushkin is unapproachable.

But if that were true, the soft-spoken Russian would have to stop being so happy.

Happiness defines Nichushkin these days, although he rarely shows it without working on his English. In a 20-minute interview that was originally declined, Nichushkin, 24, mentioned being happy more than a half-dozen times. His satisfaction stems from resurrecting his NHL career in Colorado, playing a distinct third-line role as one of the club’s five offseason additions at forward that has helped turn the Avs into the NHL’s highest-scoring team and Stanley Cup contender....

Thanks to his strong work ethic, increased ice time and patience from his new club, the Avs have gotten out of Nichushkin what the Dallas Stars could not. Nishushkin, the Stars’ 2013 first-round draft pick (10th overall), had zero goals in 57 games with Dallas last season. He also had zero penalty minutes, which speaks to his skating on eggshells.

“I feel better on the ice, especially after I score first goal. I’m so happy,” Nichushkin told The Post. “All my family is happy. That was the biggest point. Last year, the family, everyone (knew I struggled). I look at my mom and dad and they look not that happy because they worry about me and they know I’m nervous. The year wasn’t good last year. I’m so happy now that I can see more smiles.”

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Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

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