IR- At the start of the season he wasn't giving you icetime and was quoted "Nichushkin thinks too much on the ice"
VN- I'm happy for the guys. We have a great team. But when you sit on the bench for one game, two, three, you start thinking about yourself. I want to play! The guys also see that you are nervous, and the coach. How should I stay calm? Do they expect me to enjoy life?
IR- You once said:"There were moments when I wanted to get pissed with everyone"
VN- Well, that's the last stage, when you stop working and stop caring. I'm never like that. I train till the end, I try to prove that I belong. But when you prove it for weeks and then they call up guys from the minors and they get more icetime than you... it's not a nice feeling. You work hard the third season and he trusts more to the guy who's called up from the minors the first time. That are the moments when you get bitter.
IR- Could it be because your ELC runs out and they want to lower your value?
VN- I never ever thought about that. If that is true - it's sad. But I don't think it is that way. It's just they do not trust me. I don't even know why. I do everything the coach asks of me, especially on the defence. I never blocked that many shots! I clean up after everybody, hurry back, but nothing changes.
IR- Do you feel like a better player now compared to the time when you came over?
VN- That's what's most upsetting! Compaed to when I came I know I knew nothing then. I am physically stronger now, understand the game better. But they don't give a chance to prove it.
IR- Were there any hints about a new contract?
VN- That's the agent's job. I don't think about it. But if it goes on like that I'm not sure if I want to stay in Dallas, no matter what money they offer me. I want to play! What is the point in staying if the guys from the minors get more icetime than me? I mean the coach clearly lets me know that he trusts anybody but me.
IR- If you don't want to stay would you only consider the NHL or is the KHL an option?
VN- Maybe. Because Dallas owns my rights and could hold on to me. Maybe I'll have to play in Russia then. Because again here the coach shows me he doesn't trust me. I'm tired of hitting the wall.
[here is alot of stuff about where he lives in Dallas and the charity poker tournament. It think Dalls fans know more aboit it, so there is no need translating it as it is probably more interesting to russian readers]
IR- Can Dallas win the Cup?
VN- I hope so. We understand that we can do it. When we play our game, give it all, stay disciplined - everything works for us. But there are games...
IR- Are you upset you are not on the list of 16 for the World Cup?
VN- No, honestly, I didn't think about that. I understood my season is not very good. If they let me play and I show what I can, then I can be on the NT. Why should a coach take a guy who barely plays for his team? There is no logic to it. I understand the decision.
IR- Do you hope to play in the World Cup?
VN- First of all I hope they let me play and I can show what I can do. Then it's up to the coach to decide. If he sees I can play the game he needs, I think he will pick me.
IR- When you were at the NT camp Znarok said: "Nichushkin has matured". Do you feel the same?
VN- I think if they treated me like that right away I would pack my things and woud be gone by now. On the other hand I understand that would not exactly make me look better. I train and will try to prove that I belong no mater what. It's most improtant to be honest with oneself. I think I got smarter in that department.
IR- Was it tough being left off he WC roster?
VN- Back then I was upset of course, but the coaches thought that my health is more important. Right now my leg is okay and I see it was the right thing to do. I'm young, I'll get my chance.
IR- Was your leg hurting?
VN- Yes. The story was I got called up because Nail Yakupov couldn't come. The regular season was over and nobody called me. I stopped practicing. Haven't practiced in 5 days. And then I get a call: Valera, if you want you can come, but don't be upset if you get scratched.
The latter I didn't care about. I packed in two hours and got on the flight. The team wasn't there yet, so I practiced on my own for two days, but still that break wasn't nice. Practice on the NT is tough. It think that's why my leg started hurtng again.
IR- If Dallas is out of the playoffs and you get a call to come to Moscow for the WC?
VN- I will always come to the NT, no matter what. Some guys are weary of playing when their contract runs out. I will never think about that.
IR- You surely know what the Dynamo GM Safronov said that your agent wanted 2 Million just to think about you staying in Russia
VN- I don't rememer anythng like it. We only talked about me going to the NHL draft right away and if I fit in I would go to the NHL and if not I would return. I've never spoken about any sums of money. Maybe the agent did.
IR- Safronov says it was your agent.
VN- I don't know. I never planned on staying in Russia.
IR- If you stayed with Traktor would it affect your decision?
VN- Traktor is my home. I sure hope to come back and play for them someday. But back then I wanted to make the NHL. The trade just made it easier. The Stars or Dynamo both were just new teams to me.
IR- Have you made new friends at the Olympics in Sochi?
VN- All guys are great! I'm in touch with everybody, especially with Artem Anisimov. We've been working out together in the summer.
IR- Did you enjoy scoring against New Jersey on your birthday?
VN- Of course, t was great, especally with my mom watching.