Report: Former first round pick planning NHL return

Dallas Stars beat writer Mike Heika uncovered an interesting development regarding the future of Stars winger Valeri Nichushkin in his latest column for the Dallas News.

According to Heika, the former 10th overall pick of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft who is currently under contract with CSKA Moscow of the KHL for another season, is expected to return to the NHL for the 2018-19 season. Nichushkin, you may remember, signed a two-year agreement with the Russian club last summer when he couldn’t come to terms with the Stars on a new deal. In 36 games with CSKA in 2016-17, Nichushkin managed 11 goals and 24 points. 

His size and skill make him very intriguing prospect and Stars GM Jim Nill seems welcoming to the idea of a return. Nill also feels that the time in Russia will serve Nichushkin well in his eventual return saying, "It's good for him. He has the opportunity to play a lot of minutes, he has the opportunity to possibly play for the national team, possibly play in the Olympics. This can be a very big season for him."

Of course, there’s still the matter of a new contract. If a return to the Stars lineup is in the cards for Nichushkin, he and Nill will need to bridge the gap between themselves from previous negotiations. Look for the two sides to negotiate next offseason after Nichushkin's deal with CSKA Moscow expires.