Blue Jackets' Hockey Operations to be Led by Franchise Legend Rick Nash
On Friday, the Columbus Blue Jackets announced that their president of hockey operations would be none other than franchise legend Rick Nash.
Nash, who was selected as the No. 1 overall pick at the 2002 NHL Draft by the Blue Jackets, played with the team from 2002-12 and holds the franchise records for goals (289), assists (258), and points (547). After stints with the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins, he retired in 2018 and returned to Columbus in June 2019 as a special assistant to the general manager. Two years later, Nash, now 40, was promoted to director of player development.
According to general manager Don Waddell, \"Rick Nash is a highly intelligent individual who has become an integral part of our hockey operations leadership team. He has a deep passion for the Columbus Blue Jackets and this community, and has been an invaluable resource for me since I joined the organization in late May. As a player, Rick made a significant impact on this franchise, and I have no doubt he will continue to do so in his new role as director of hockey operations.\"
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During his time with the Blue Jackets, Nash served as team captain from 2008-12. He was also a five-time All-Star and won the Maurice \"Rocket\" Richard Trophy, awarded to the NHL's top goal scorer, in 2004. In March 2022, the franchise retired his No. 61 jersey.
In addition to Nash's appointment, the club also announced that Zach Abdou will serve as senior manager of hockey operations and Basil McRae will take on the role of director of pro scouting.
