Columbus, Ohio — Valeri Nichushkin found the back of the net against his former club as the Columbus Blue Jackets faced the Colorado Avalanche at Nationwide Arena on November 3, 2026. The Russian forward, who previously played for Colorado, scored during the second period against Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood.
The goal added a personal storyline to the matchup, with Nichushkin celebrating against the organization where he spent several seasons. The game marked a return to Columbus for the Blue Jackets' forward, who now wears number 43 for his current team.
Photographs from the contest captured Nichushkin's second-period tally, highlighting the revenge narrative for the former Avalanche player now competing in a Blue Jackets sweater.
