The agent representing Dallas Stars winger Valeri Nichushkin is downplaying a report from Russia that says the 21-year-old has grown frustrated with his role in Dallas.
In what became a piece posted on the Russian language outlet Q&A, Igor Rabiner interviewed Nichushkin last Saturday, and Nichushkin reportedly said he feels less than trusted by head coach Lindy Ruff, and has been miffed by his playing time and his role in the offense.
Mark Gandler, the aforementioned agent, agreed that his client is frustrated—but he says he’s not frustrated with the team.
"He is frustrated, but he is frustrated with himself," Gandler said, per Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News. "He wants to score more, and he knows he's getting chances and he wants to put the puck in. I think that is natural for him."
Gandler added that Nichushkin planned on meeting with both Ruff and general manager Jim Nill, presumably to clear the air.
“Val can go from 0 to 100 emotionally, and this was right after a game and he was frustrated,” Gandler said. “But he can also go from 100 to 0. I don't think he even knew what was said in the interview. I know he was going to talk to Lindy Ruff and Jim Nill today.”
