Reports: New Jersey Devils Captain Nico Hischier have been suspended by the NHL for alleged use of drugs to …..

New Jersey Devils Hockey Now’s James Nichols tweeted earlier this week that Nikita Gusev, a seasoned winger, was skating at the Devils’ development camp. Gusev is reportedly trying to return to the NHL for next season, so that wasn’t just some random alumnus dropping by, according to Championat’s Dmitry Storozhev.

The 31-year-old had a lot of success throughout his two stints at the highest level. After being acquired from Vegas, Gusev returned to New Jersey for the 2019–20 season and had a respectable debut, appearing in 66 games while averaging just under fifteen minutes of ice time per game. He scored thirteen goals and added thirty-one assists. Nevertheless, the next year, he had a disastrous performance, with only two goals and three assists in twenty games, leading to the Devils terminating his contract at the end of the season. After that, he joined the Gators and scored five more points in his final eleven games.

Gusev returned to the KHL for the 2021-22 season, signing with SKA St. Petersburg, despite not receiving a good market in free agency. After two seasons at SKA, his contract was dissolved, and he moved to Dynamo Moscow for the 2023–24 season. During his time there, he averaged slightly more than a point per game.

With them, Gusev enjoyed a breakout season, appearing in all 68 games and finishing first in the league in assists (66) and points (89). After that, he scored 10 points in nine playoff games. He also topped the KHL in scoring in 2018–19, the season before he made his NHL debut. This is his second consecutive season in the top spot.

This rumor that Gusev is looking for another opportunity in the NHL would explain why he hasn’t signed a new agreement yet, even though he has had offers to stay with Dynamo Moscow or join other KHL franchises.

Given the circumstances surrounding his departure from the NHL a few years ago and the fact that numerous teams have made significant roster moves this summer, it is reasonable to assume that Gusev will not be able to command the same $4.5M AAV as before. But if a club is in the market for an offensive spark plug and Gusev’s asking price is more reasonable, he could be an interesting acquisition for someone in the near futu

re.