Last Updated on November 12, 2026 by Janet Asprin

Valeri Nichushkin is a Russian professional ice hockey player who plays as a right winger for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on March 4, 1995, in Chelyabinsk, Russia, Nichushkin grew up in a family that encouraged his interest in sports and supported his development as a hockey player.

His family includes his wife, Svetlana Gavrilyuk, their two children, Anna and Arseniy Nichushkin, his parents, Ivan and Elena Nichushkin, and his sister, Ulyana Nichushkina.

Beyond his successful NHL career, including winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, Nichushkin has spoken about the importance of marriage, fatherhood, and maintaining strong relationships with his relatives.

Valeri Nichushkin’s Wife: Is He Married or Dating?

Valeri Nichushkin is married to Svetlana Gavrilyuk, a Russian businesswoman, former model, and entrepreneur.

The couple began their romantic relationship in 2013, around the time Nichushkin was establishing himself as one of Russia’s most promising young hockey players.

Svetlana supported Valeri throughout his career with the Dallas Stars, CSKA Moscow, and Colorado Avalanche.

The couple continued their relationship despite the challenges of moving between Russia and North America.

They eventually married in 2018 during an elegant wedding ceremony in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Who Is Svetlana Gavrilyuk?

Svetlana Gavrilyuk, also known as Svetlana Nichushkina following her marriage, is a Russian entrepreneur who was born in Moscow.

Before establishing herself in business, Svetlana participated in competitive rhythmic gymnastics.

According to Sport24 and Sport-Express, she represented Moscow in rhythmic gymnastics competitions before pursuing modeling and dancing.

She subsequently became involved in the fashion industry.

Svetlana is the founder of LAVARICE, a Russian fashion brand specializing in swimwear, lingerie, and beachwear.

The company developed an online presence and opened retail locations in cities including Moscow and St. Petersburg.

In an August 2024 interview, Nichushkin praised his wife’s entrepreneurial achievements, explaining that he admired her ability to create and develop a business independently.

He also described Svetlana’s professional success as a source of motivation in his own career.

When Did Valeri Nichushkin Get Married?

Valeri Nichushkin and Svetlana Gavrilyuk married on June 1, 2018, according to a biographical report published by SportKP.

The wedding took place in Dubrovnik, Croatia, a historic coastal city overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

The couple selected an outdoor ceremony at Villa Sheherezada, a luxury property known for its distinctive architecture and picturesque surroundings.

The celebration was organized by WeDoAgency and featured an elegant design inspired by the couple’s love of travel.

According to a wedding feature published by NEVESTA.MOSCOW, the ceremony included floral decorations, a seaside atmosphere, and a reception attended by close relatives and friends.

Several well-known hockey players attended the celebration, including Kirill Kaprizov and Nikita Nesterov.

The wedding took place shortly before Nichushkin returned to the NHL following two seasons with CSKA Moscow.

How Svetlana Supported Nichushkin’s Hockey Career

Svetlana has been an important source of support throughout Valeri’s professional journey.

When Nichushkin struggled to score during his second spell with the Dallas Stars, she remained by his side.

She also supported his career after he signed with the Colorado Avalanche in 2019.

Following Colorado’s Stanley Cup victory in June 2022, Svetlana publicly congratulated her husband through social media.

In her message, she praised his determination, hard work, and commitment to achieving his childhood dream.

She expressed particular pride in the fact that Valeri had overcome difficult periods in his career to become a Stanley Cup champion.

The couple have since expanded their family with the birth of two children.

Valeri Nichushkin’s Children

Valeri Nichushkin and his wife, Svetlana, have two children: a daughter named Anna and a son named Arseniy.

Their first child was born in November 2023, while Nichushkin confirmed the arrival of their second child during an interview published in August 2026.

1. Anna Nichushkin: Valeri Nichushkin’s Daughter

Anna Nichushkin is Valeri and Svetlana’s first child.

She was born in November 2023, while her father was playing for the Colorado Avalanche.

Her birth became public when Nichushkin missed a team practice to be with his wife during the delivery.

On November 9, 2023, CBS Sports reported that the Avalanche forward had been absent from practice because he was attending the birth of his daughter.

The arrival of Anna marked the beginning of a new chapter in Nichushkin’s personal life.

In a subsequent interview, he discussed the responsibilities of fatherhood and the importance of spending time with his daughter despite his demanding professional schedule.

Anna also became an older sister following the arrival of the couple’s son in 2026.

2. Arseniy Nichushkin: Valeri Nichushkin’s Son

Arseniy Nichushkin is Valeri and Svetlana’s second child and their first son.

He was born in 2026, with his arrival publicly confirmed by his father in August of that year.

During an interview with RB Sport published on August 7, 2026, Nichushkin revealed that he and his wife had welcomed a baby boy named Arseniy.

The hockey player explained that the birth had made his summer particularly busy.

Because the family could not arrange suitable childcare in the United States, Nichushkin spent considerable time helping Svetlana care for their children.

He took responsibility for looking after their older daughter, Anna, while Svetlana attended to the newborn.

Nichushkin said the experience allowed him to appreciate the responsibilities of fatherhood more deeply.

He also expressed happiness about being able to spend meaningful time with his children.

Although Arseniy’s birth was confirmed in August 2026, the family has not widely publicized his exact date of birth.

Valeri Nichushkin’s Parents

Valeri Nichushkin was born to Ivan Nichushkin and Elena Nichushkina in Chelyabinsk, Russia.

Both parents supported his interest in hockey from childhood and encouraged him to pursue opportunities in competitive sport.

His father’s sporting background was particularly influential, while his mother played an important role in managing his early hockey career.

Valeri Nichushkin’s Father: Ivan Nichushkin

Ivan Nichushkin is Valeri’s father and a former competitive speed skater.

According to Sport-Express, Ivan participated in speed skating and was known for his tall, powerful physique.

Other Russian biographical accounts identify him as having achieved the Soviet or Russian sporting classification of Master of Sports.

Valeri inherited some of his father’s physical characteristics, including his height and athletic build.

His first hockey coach, Viktor Vetshev, explained that Nichushkin was physically stronger and taller than many boys in his age group.

These qualities later became important advantages in his professional hockey career.

How Ivan Nichushkin Influenced His Son

Ivan’s experience in competitive sports contributed to the athletic environment in which Valeri grew up.

Although his father was involved in speed skating rather than professional ice hockey, Valeri developed a strong interest in hockey during childhood.

His parents supported that interest by purchasing hockey equipment and helping him enroll in a local training program.

Valeri joined the Traktor Chelyabinsk hockey school when he was approximately seven years old.

His early coaches quickly recognized his combination of size, speed, and powerful skating.

Ivan generally maintains a private public profile, and reliable information about his professional career outside sports remains limited.

Valeri Nichushkin’s Mother: Elena Nichushkina

Elena Nichushkina is Valeri’s mother and one of the most publicly documented members of his family.

She played an important role in supporting his hockey development and managing the challenges of his early professional career.

During his teenage years, Elena regularly communicated with hockey officials and representatives about her son’s future.

Her involvement became particularly visible in 2013 when Nichushkin was involved in a complicated transfer situation involving Traktor Chelyabinsk and Dynamo Moscow.

In April 2013, Elena spoke to Russian sports media about the uncertainty surrounding the proposed move.

She explained that the family had not expected the situation and that her primary concern was ensuring Valeri could continue playing hockey successfully.

Elena Nichushkina’s Role in His Early Career

Elena’s dedication continued as Valeri attracted attention from NHL scouts.

During the 2013 transfer discussions, the family received guidance from hockey representatives and people close to the player.

In a May 2013 interview with Championat, Nichushkin’s godfather, Evgeny Pustovoy, explained that Elena had been deeply concerned by the uncertainty surrounding her son’s future.

He described how the family’s attachment to Chelyabinsk made the potential move especially emotional.

Elena remained a source of support when Nichushkin eventually moved to the United States to begin his NHL career.

According to a January 2014 Bleacher Report feature, Valeri’s mother and sister stayed with him temporarily in Dallas while he was adjusting to life in North America.

Their presence helped him manage some of the challenges associated with living in a new country and learning English.

Valeri Nichushkin’s Siblings

Valeri Nichushkin has one publicly identified sister named Ulyana Nichushkina.

Ulyana was featured in a 2013 interview published by Sovetsky Sport and republished on the official website of Severstal Cherepovets.

She discussed her brother’s childhood, his passion for hockey, and the family’s efforts to support him.

Ulyana Nichushkina: Valeri Nichushkin’s Sister

Ulyana Nichushkina is Valeri’s sister and one of his longtime supporters.

She grew up alongside him in Chelyabinsk and witnessed his development from a hockey-loving child into a professional player.

In April 2013, Ulyana accompanied Valeri to a hockey training session and spoke with journalists about his personality.

During the interview, she recalled that he spent much of his childhood thinking about hockey.

According to Ulyana, her brother frequently practiced with hockey sticks and tennis balls inside their family home.

His enthusiasm sometimes resulted in damaged furniture because he enjoyed practicing his shots indoors.

She also recalled occasionally acting as his goaltender during childhood games.

These experiences reflected the siblings’ close relationship and Valeri’s early determination to become a hockey player.

How Ulyana Supported Her Brother’s Career

Ulyana remained involved in Valeri’s life as he progressed through junior hockey.

During the 2013 interview, she explained that the family felt both excitement and anxiety while watching his performances with Traktor Chelyabinsk.

She described how relatives celebrated his achievements and tried to encourage him following difficult games.

Ulyana also discussed his school years, explaining that Valeri managed his studies despite spending considerable time training.

Her comments provided a rare glimpse into Nichushkin’s childhood and family relationships.

Ulyana was also among the relatives who spent time with Valeri in Dallas during his early NHL career.

Although her relationship with her brother is documented, she generally maintains a private life. Reliable details about her current occupation and personal relationships are limited.

Does Valeri Nichushkin Have a Brother?

There is no reliable public confirmation identifying a brother.

Sports interviews have documented his sister Ulyana, but they have not established the existence of any additional siblings.

How Valeri Nichushkin’s Family Supported His Hockey Career

Valeri Nichushkin began playing hockey in his hometown of Chelyabinsk, a Russian city with a strong hockey tradition.

He joined Traktor’s youth development system and quickly attracted attention because of his height, speed, and physical strength.

His first coach, Viktor Vetshev, recognized his determination and encouraged him to develop his skating and shooting abilities.

Valeri progressed through the club’s youth teams before making his Kontinental Hockey League debut with Traktor during the 2012–13 season.

In 2013, he was selected tenth overall by the Dallas Stars in the NHL Entry Draft.

His move to North America introduced new challenges, including learning English and adapting to a different culture.

His mother, Elena, and sister, Ulyana, spent time with him in Dallas during his early adjustment period.

Valeri subsequently played several seasons with the Stars before returning to Russia to represent CSKA Moscow.

He returned to Dallas in 2018 and joined the Colorado Avalanche in August 2019.

His career reached a major milestone in June 2022 when Colorado won the Stanley Cup.

His wife, Svetlana, publicly celebrated the achievement and praised his determination throughout difficult periods.

The couple welcomed their daughter Anna in 2023 and their son Arseniy in 2026.

On June 25, 2026, Nichushkin was traded from Colorado to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for three NHL draft picks.

The move began another chapter in his professional career while he and Svetlana adjusted to life with two young children.

Valeri Nichushkin’s Family Summary

Full name: Valeri Ivanovich Nichushkin
Date of birth: March 4, 1995
Birthplace: Chelyabinsk, Russia
Nationality: Russian
Profession: Professional ice hockey player
NHL team: Columbus Blue Jackets
Marital status: Married
Wife: Svetlana Gavrilyuk (Svetlana Nichushkina)
Wedding date: June 1, 2018, as reported by SportKP
Wedding location: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Children: Two
Daughter: Anna Nichushkin, born November 2023
Son: Arseniy Nichushkin, born in 2026
Father: Ivan Nichushkin
Mother: Elena Nichushkina
Sister: Ulyana Nichushkina
Brothers: None publicly confirmed
Former NHL teams: Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche
NHL draft: Tenth overall, 2013, Dallas Stars
Stanley Cup championship: 2022, Colorado Avalanche

Frequently Asked Questions About Valeri Nichushkin’s Family

Who is Valeri Nichushkin’s girlfriend?

Valeri Nichushkin’s longtime girlfriend was Svetlana Gavrilyuk. The couple began dating in 2013 and married in 2018, making Svetlana his wife.

Is Valeri Nichushkin married?

Yes. Valeri Nichushkin is married to Russian entrepreneur and former model Svetlana Gavrilyuk. Their wedding took place in Dubrovnik, Croatia, in 2018.

Who is Valeri Nichushkin’s wife?

His wife is Svetlana Gavrilyuk, the founder of LAVARICE, a fashion brand specializing in swimwear and lingerie. She is also the mother of his two children.

When did Valeri Nichushkin get married?

Valeri Nichushkin married Svetlana Gavrilyuk in June 2018. SportKP identifies June 1 as their wedding date.

Does Valeri Nichushkin have children?

Yes. Valeri Nichushkin and his wife have two children: a daughter named Anna and a son named Arseniy.

Who is Valeri Nichushkin’s daughter?

His daughter is Anna Nichushkin, who was born in November 2023 while her father was playing for the Colorado Avalanche.

Who is Valeri Nichushkin’s son?

His son is Arseniy Nichushkin. Valeri publicly confirmed his birth during an interview published on August 7, 2026.

Who are Valeri Nichushkin’s parents?

Valeri Nichushkin’s parents are Ivan Nichushkin and Elena Nichushkina. They raised him in Chelyabinsk, Russia, and supported his hockey development from childhood.

Who is Valeri Nichushkin’s father?

His father is Ivan Nichushkin, a former competitive speed skater whose athletic background influenced Valeri’s upbringing.

Who is Valeri Nichushkin’s mother?

His mother is Elena Nichushkina, who played an important role in supporting his youth hockey career and helping him navigate professional opportunities.

Does Valeri Nichushkin have siblings?

Yes. Valeri has a publicly identified sister named Ulyana Nichushkina, who discussed their childhood and family relationship in a 2013 interview.

Who is Valeri Nichushkin’s sister?

His sister is Ulyana Nichushkina. She grew up with him in Chelyabinsk and supported him throughout his early hockey career.

Does Valeri Nichushkin have a brother?

No brother has been reliably identified through public sports interviews or official biographies.

Where is Valeri Nichushkin’s family from?

The Nichushkin family comes from Chelyabinsk, Russia, where Valeri was born and began his hockey career with Traktor Chelyabinsk.

What NHL team does Valeri Nichushkin play for?

Valeri Nichushkin plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets. He joined the organization in June 2026 after being traded from the Colorado Avalanche.

Conclusion

Valeri Nichushkin comes from a supportive Russian family that helped him pursue professional hockey from an early age.

His father, Ivan Nichushkin, brought experience in competitive speed skating, while his mother, Elena, helped guide his early sporting development.

His sister, Ulyana, also provided encouragement during childhood and supported his transition to professional hockey.

In his personal life, Nichushkin has built a family with his wife, Svetlana Gavrilyuk, whom he married in 2018. Together, they have two children, Anna and Arseniy.

From his childhood in Chelyabinsk to winning the Stanley Cup with Colorado and joining the Columbus Blue Jackets, family support has remained an important part of Valeri Nichushkin’s life and hockey career.

Sources

Valeri Nichushkin’s Family: Wife, Children, Parents, and Siblings