Valeri Nichushkin debunks the stubborn claim about Nathan MacKinnon – “It’s a myth”
Valeri Nichushkin, traded from the Colorado Avalanche to the Columbus Blue Jackets this summer, has shared his views on his former teammate Nathan MacKinnon.
MacKinnon is known in the NHL as an extremely demanding and temperamental superstar towards his teammates. Over the years, there have even been stories in the media suggesting that some Avalanche players were afraid of MacKinnon’s reactions after failures.
However, Nichushkin, who played with MacKinnon in Colorado for seven years, paints a very different picture.
According to the Russian forward, MacKinnon has changed as a person in recent years.
– He has also matured as a person and is now better able to control his emotions. In fact, I never saw him bully anyone during our seven years together. The food stories and such are just a myth, Nichushkin claims in an interview with RB Sport.
According to Nichushkin, MacKinnon also has a more humorous side.
– He knows how to joke, and the guys usually understand him. He treated me well, and we never had any conflicts, Nichushkin reveals to the Russian publication.
Nichushkin states that MacKinnon’s leadership is not based on grand speeches or constant raising of his voice. The Colorado star leads by example, primarily on the ice.
– He is a leader primarily because of his game, not so much because of his mouth. I certainly wouldn’t call him a chatterbox. He might say something in tough moments in the locker room, but overall, our locker room was quite quiet, the Russian star continues.
Nichushkin’s own career continues next season in new surroundings. The forward’s playing time dropped to just over 17 minutes per game last season with the Avalanche. In Columbus, he is likely to have a significantly larger role.
– From a hockey perspective, my outlook is good. I have the opportunity to have a more meaningful role than before. But the change is a bit challenging in terms of living. I lived in Denver for seven years and knew every street corner. Now everything is different, and I have to find a new home. But that’s okay. I will adapt, the forward assures.
Nichushkin will begin his 12th season in the NHL this fall.
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