Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin played the final game of the Stanley Cup Finals with a serious injury to his right foot.
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After his family’s victory once morest the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday, the Russian posted a rather revealing photo of his state of health on his Instagram account. We see in particular a gigantic bruise on his foot.
According to The Athletic reporter Peter Baugh, Nichushkin was unable to put on his skate without the help of the Avs’ medical staff.
The 27-year-old played in all of his team’s playoff games and was sent on the ice for nearly 23 minutes in the final game. He ended his playoff run with nine goals and six assists for 15 points in 20 games.
Nichushkin might become an unrestricted free agent on July 13, having just completed a two-year contract worth $2.5 million a year. He will definitely be looking for a raise, as he is coming off the best season of his career. In 62 games, he hit the target 25 times and provided 27 assists for 52 points.