Colorado Avalanche fans reel as Valeri Nichushkin is traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a surprising package of picks. With only a 2026 second-rounder, a 2027 third, and a 2028 fifth coming back, questions swirl about the front office’s strategy and whether the return fits Nichushkin's value as a top-six forward with term and a manageable cap hit. Can the Avalanche replace Nichushkin’s production, or did they move too soon on a player with more to offer? Hosts Chris Micieli and Zach Pearson weigh the merits of the deal, drawing comparisons to recent blockbuster trades like Bo Byram’s and Brady Tkachuk’s, and speculate on Joe Sakic’s next move. The episode also grades Brock Nelson’s season, debates free agency options, and explores Colorado’s reshaped cap space. Can the Avalanche parlay this newfound flexibility into a deeper playoff run, or did they sacrifice too much in the chase for a fresh start? Everydayer Club: If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Avalanche Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. https://lockedonavalanche.supercast.com/ Subscribe to our Subtext to talk to us directly! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonavalanche Everything Locked on Avalanche: https://solo.to/lopn_avalanche Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOAvalanche?sid=YouTube Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL Follow on X: Chris: https://twitter.com/c__micieli Zach: https://twitter.com/XavierSuperfly Show Page: https://twitter.com/LOPN_Avalanche #NHL #coloradoavalanche _________________________________________________________ Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Hims To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, hair loss, weight loss, and more, visit https://Hims.com/LOCKEDONNHL. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
