The wait is over in Columbus. 

Rick Nash and the Columbus Blue Jackets agreed to an eight-year, $62.4 million contract, on Friday night, securing the captain for the longest contract term in franchise history. He'll make $7.8 million a season under the deal.

The agreement comes two nights after Rick Nash's surprising comments stirred a negative reaction amongst Jacket's fans saying,

“There were tons of teams throwing some pretty big money around (yesterday),” Nash said. “If this doesn’t get done, I’m sure I won’t have a problem getting signed by somebody next summer.” (Puckrakers)

These comments irked many loyal fans in Blue Jackets country, but in the end, they probably caused Scott Howson to pursue an agreement as soon as possible. 

Now, the Jackets have shown the NHL that it is serious about becoming a power in the Western Conference.