Rick Nash Signs for Eight in Columbus

On Friday afternoon all Columbus Blue Jacket fans were sighing a huge relief as they enjoyed what could be classified as a potential turning point of their young franchise. This past season things were finally looking up for the Columbus Blue Jackets who finally experienced their first taste of post season this past spring. Even though the Blue Jackets lost to the Detroit Red Wings in the opening round of post season, there was still plenty of excitement about the future of the team, which came into the NHL nine years ago. This excitement centered on such cornerstone players as Calder Trophy winner Steve Mason who won 33 games and former 2002 first overall draft pick Rick Nash. During this past season various rumors were circulating in the hockey world that Nash who won the Rocket Richard trophy with 41 goals in 2004 would not sign with the Blue Jackets long term. According to media reports Nash and the Blue Jackets were far apart in contract negotiations and it was also being reported that he was going to test the free agent market next summer. This 25 year- old who has already played in four All-Star Games and a Young Stars Game made a huge statement on Friday when he showed his devotion to Columbus and their fans by signing an eight year 62.4 million dollar contract with the team. “Rick is a Blue Jacket. He is our captain, the foundation of our team and one of the elite players in the National Hockey League and we are very happy that he will continue to call Columbus home for many years to come,” general manager Scott Howson said about this Brampton Ontario native who scored 40 goals and 79 points last season. “This is an important and exciting day for our franchise and fans.” Showing to be a team player Nash who scored three points this past spring in their first round loss will be getting seven million which is less than he could have made in the open market next summer. “He’s allowed us some flexibility,” Howson said. “He’s aware that by signing this contract that other players will be able to get paid as well.” The undisputed leader who along with Mason provides a solid team building block has scored 194 career goals and 161 assists in only 441 career games.