After Dallas Stars forward Valeri Nichushkin told Russian news outlet Sport-Express that he didn't feel trusted by head coach Lindy Ruff and wanted more ice time, the 21-year-old's agent Mike Gandler came to his defense Tuesday.

"He is frustrated, but he is frustrated with himself," Gandler told 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."

"Val can go from 0 to 100 emotionally, and this was right after a game and he was frustrated," Gandler continued. "But he can also go from 100 to 0. I talked to him today and 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."

Nichushkin has struggled of late, recording just one assist in his past 10 games, while failing to record a single shot on goal in his past two. The Russian will need to pick up seven points in his team's final six games to match his rookie totals from two years ago.

A restricted free agent at season's end, Nichushkin could head to the KHL if a suitable contract can't be agreed upon with his current team. Though Gandler notes general manager Jim Nill only wants the winger focusing on the playoffs, he ensured Nichushkin has no issue with playing in Texas.

"I don't want to say much about contracts," Gandler said. "But I can tell you that Val loves it in Dallas. He's very happy there."

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