Reports: Avalanche nearing an extension with a key forward

The Colorado Avalanche are closing in on a deal to bring back forward Valeri Nichushkin, according to multiple reports on Friday.

Both Andy Strickland, a hockey reporter from St. Louis and Adrian Dater, a longtime Avs beat writer have heard Colorado is getting close with the two-way forward. Dater added that he suspects the contract would be long-term and worth around $5 million a year.

Nichushkin played in 62 games this past season, scoring 25 goals and adding 27 assists. He turned it to another level in the playoffs, scoring nine goals in the Avs 20 game Cup run. Nichushkin was one of the better players in the Final series against Tampa Bay.

Nichushkin is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 13. The NHL Draft continues Friday, which is leading to many moves including the Avs adding a goalie.

Colorado is projected to have $24.5 million in cap space with several important players hitting the market. Nichushkin signing for $5 million would leave around $19 million for Colorado to try to sign Artturi Lehkonen, Nazem Kadri, Josh Manson and Alexandar Georgiev. While letting other players like Ryan Murray, Andre Burakovsky and Nico Sturm walk.

***