While we all waited for the big deal to take place, the Blue Jackets worked behind the scenes to make a quieter addition to their lineup. Yesterday afternoon, GM Don Waddell pulled the trigger on a trade that brings Valeri Nichushkin to Columbus, in exchange for three draft picks.
It might not be the flashy top-tier player that we were hoping to see the team go out and acquire, but that does not mean this wasn't a really good move. Adding Nichushkin gives the Blue Jackets a lot of options, because he brings a variety of traits that should help this team's top two lines.
At 6'4" and 210 pounds, he brings the size and physicality that this team loves to have. Don't expect him to go out and throw massive hits, or drop the gloves-not that kind of physical. Instead, he's good at protecting the puck, opening up time and space for his line mates.
Valeri has been a reliable 20-goal threat for the Avalanche over the last five seasons, despite having missed quite a bit of hockey due to injuries. Health is probably the biggest concern the Blue Jackets have with this player.
Outside of the injuries, he's become a complete package. He's a two-way threat that can contribute on both sides of the puck. He will immediately help this team on both the power-play and penalty kill. This past season, he even earned some Selke Trophy buzz for his all-around game.
What this means for the Blue Jackets.
I look at this move in a similar light as the Charlie Coyle trade last summer, not just because Nichushkin also comes from the Colorado Avalanche. This move sends a message from the organization to its players and its fan base: the Blue Jackets are here to win.
Whether this team is done making tweaks to their roster or not, this is not the kind of trade that Waddell is going to go out and make just to make it. He gave up significant draft capital for a veteran player that has four years of term left on his contract. That is how winning teams act.
Even though I don't see him as a true top line player, Nichushkin may serve in that role here, right away. He will help balance out the top-six of the Blue Jackets, because he's capable of keeping pace with the skill guys; and plays a refined two-way game.
As with Coyle last summer, Mason Marchment and Conor Garland during the season; Waddell went out and quietly acquired a player that was not being talked about in trade circles. While it's not the flashy, franchise-altering deal we are hoping for; acquiring Valeri Nichushkin makes a lot of sense.
One thing I know for certain: the Blue Jackets are going to be a matchup nightmare next season. This team has a lot of depth. It will be interesting to see what Waddell does with all of that depth over the next few days.
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