NHL Free Agency: 4 best fits for Rick Nash
With his 8-year $62.4 million deal coming to a close, which four teams make the most sense for Rick Nash?
Rick Nash is the all-time leader in goals, assists, and points for the Columbus Blue Jackets. In nine seasons, he recorded 289 goals and 258 assists. He won the 2003-04 Maurice Rocket Richard Trophy and is a six-time All-Star. Nash, for the first time in his NHL career, will be available in NHL free agency.
His prime seasons are behind him, but he has been a consistent 20+ goal scorer his entire career. Near the end of the regular season, he suffered a concussion that affected his offensive play in the first round. Once the second round rolled around, he started to regain his form and scored two goals in the first game.
He played on the deadly Bruins’ first powerplay unit and was a strong second line winger. He has proven that there is more hockey left in him and there are some teams that are interested in him.
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1. Columbus Blue Jackets
A reunion with his draft team from 16 seasons ago is a big rumor right now. According to The Athletic, the Blue Jackets are strongly pursuing Nash and are offering a multi-year deal. Columbus is reportedly at the top of his list. He knows the team well and they are a constant playoff threat.
The Blue Jackets lack depth on the left wing and he would add more scoring to a team that desperately needs it. They are currently 17th in the league in goals and if they want to be a real contender, Nash will be a big help.
2. Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney has been talking to Nash but the biggest obstacle has been Ilya Kovalchuk. The Bruins had a shot at Kovalchuk and if they landed him, they would have let Nash go.
Now that the LA Kings have signed the Russian, the talks between the Bruins and Nash have resumed. He will test the free agent market but Boston will be near the top of his list.
3. New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils have many wingers going into free agency. Michael Grabner, Jimmy Hayes, Patrick Maroon, Brian Gibbons, and Drew Stafford are all coming off the books and they won’t all be resigned.
The Devils have a young, fast team but lack physicality. Many of their players have a similar style of play. They use their speed and skill to create space and chances, but having a player with a more physical edge gives the team another dimension. Rick Nash is a big, strong player that digs pucks out of the corners and fills the net.
Having a variety on the wings will be a great asset for the team and his veteran leadership will be welcome, especially in the playoffs.
4. Retirement
According to Elliotte Friedman on the 31 thoughts podcast, Rick Nash is considering retirement. He has dealt with many concussions in his long NHL career and may want to look after his health. He’s 34 years old, has a son and has enough money to last him a lifetime.
A quest for the Stanley Cup is great, but with all his head injuries, looking after his health might be the best option for the long run.
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Another option could be to sign a cheap, one year deal with a contender. If he wins it all, he can retire in peace and if not, he can still retire as a great hockey player.