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NHL·ANALYSIS·July 19, 2026 08:33 AM ET

Avalanche turn Nichushkin trade return into Egor Shilov

The No. 43 pick had 82 points in 63 QMJHL games.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 201 min read
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What happened: Colorado acquired the second-round selection from the Columbus Blue Jackets in a three-pick return for Valeri Nichushkin. Shilov recorded 32 goals and 50 assists in his draft season.

Why it matters: Shilov’s pace control and playmaking offer high offensive upside, while inconsistency, defensive play and puck management shaped his second-round value. The selection fits Colorado’s 2026-27 youth movement amid salary-cap constraints.

By the numbers: Shilov averaged 1.30 points per game across 63 games. Assists accounted for 61% of his 82 points.

What to watch: His next development phase will test whether he can produce consistently and become more reliable away from the puck.

Sources

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NHLAnalysisColorado AvalancheColumbus Blue JacketsEgor ShilovValeri Nichushkin
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