Columbus Blue Jackets: Riley Nash looking for new identity

Riley Nash is a bit of a journeyman, but at just 29 years old, he is looking to carve out a new role with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Riley Nash is not a household name. In fact, if you asked most NHL fans, chances are not many people other than Boston Bruins fans know him. While this is more of a stick tap to the diehard fans, there are plenty of reasons for the Columbus Blue Jackets to get excited about Nash.

The major problem for the Blue Jackets is scoring depth. They rely heavily on their defensive game and top line players. However, that is simply not enough to chase a Stanley Cup. Players like Nash are great compliments to strong teams, and with two straight postseason appearances, the Blue Jackets look ready for the next level.

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Nash set career-highs across the board with the Bruins in 2017-18. He scored 15 goals with 26 assists (41 points) in 76 games. His plus-minus of +16 is something else to consider, given the strengths of the Blue Jackets.

Nash will only add to their two-way game, and there is a chance he could improve on his offensive numbers with more opportunities in Columbus.

Reaching the NHL through the college ranks, he had a long road before making it as a full-time NHL player. Drafted 21st overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2007, Nash joined the NHL ranks for good during the 2012-13 season. It has taken him significant time to find his footing. After the worst season of his career in 2016-17, Nash came back strong in 2017-18.

His strong play with the Bruins last season earned him a three-year, $8.25 million contract with the Blue Jackets. In today’s market, this is not a bad deal, as long as Nash can perform. With a potential trade looming for the Blue Jackets’ biggest star, it will be interesting to see how the Blue Jackets enter the 2018-19 season.

What to do with Artemi Panarin?

Nash’s success with the Blue Jackets will depend significantly on the type of team they have up front. Artemi Panarin is by far the Blue Jackets’ most skilled player, but chances are his time in Columbus is coming to an end.

While his chemistry with the team really picked up over the course of the season, the Blue Jackets are unable to take him on from a budget perspective. On the flip side, Panarin’s performance over the last two seasons allows them to trade for key pieces to build their team for long-term success.

With players like Alexander Wennberg, Oliver Bjorkstrand, and Pierre-Luc Dubois, the Blue Jackets have a lot of promise with young players ready to hit their stride. Trading Panarin does not look like a bad idea, but it is imperative Columbus trades for the right players.

Along with Nash, Anthony Duclair was a solid addition for them. Not only is he cheap for the upcoming season, but he’s in a contract year in 2018-19. With that said, youth will not be their problem, but finding the right players for their current system will be important if they hope to be successful right away. In that regard, Nash is a great addition at the forward position.

Even with the Panarin saga, Nash looks ready for the next chapter in his hockey career. After spending tough seasons in Carolina, he came into his own in Boston. His 15 games of NHL playoff experience with the Bruins is something to note, but his role with the Blue Jackets will entail so much more than that.

Nash will be entering a city where his name will already have meaning. As long as he gets used to being “the other Nash”, he should fit in just fine with the Blue Jackets.