Back in 2012, the Dallas Stars used the 10th overall pick and drafted Nichushkin. Unfortunately, after 5 years in Dallas and 2 years playing in the KHL due to a contract dispute, Nichushkin didn't live up to the expectations of a 10th overall pick and was bought out by Dallas at the end of the 2018/19 season.
At the time, Avs General Manager, Joe Sakic was doing his due diligence and called Jim Nill to ask about Nichushkin and if there was anything he should be worried about. Nill responded by saying, «that's someone you take a chance on.» Sakic listened to Nill and decided to give Nichushkin a shot and his patience with him paid off in spades during this year's cup run.
Nill also shared, when speaking with the media in Montreal that the first time Dallas and Colorado played each other in the 2019/20 season, Nichushkin approached him and apologized saying «I wasn't who I should have been with you guys.»
Nill ended with saying, «Give the organization credit, but you gotta give Val credit. He realized, ‘I need to change.' Sometimes players need that.» it goes to show that not every first round pick is going to realize their potential right away and sometimes a change of scenery is good and helps players grow. Nichushkin has certainly grown in his time in Colorado and is due for a massive raise on his next contract.
