Blue Jackets: Rick Nash learning front office under John Davidson, Jarmo Kekalainen
COLUMBUS -- He played 15 years in the NHL but like many players Rick Nash found he missed being at the rink and around the team.
The Blue Jackets might have a solution. The franchise's first real star is now retired and back in Columbus learning the game from the front office suite. President John Davidson and General Manager have taken Nash under their wing.
"It's been great for them to let me learn another side of the game. I really appreciate management for letting me in," Nash told ABC-6 Tuesday night. "I'm definitely getting a different view of the game from the press box."
The tutelage by Davidson and Kekalainen may turn into a role for Nash down the road. "I hope so. They have made amazing strides with the franchise. I've played in big markets and here in Columbus. This is a special place to play. I can't wait to try to sell this franchise to free agents."
The veteran left winger was the top overall draft pick of the Jackets in 2002 and played 9 seasons in Columbus before finishing his career with the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins.
Nash began his NHL career with the Blue Jackets the season immediately following his draft, in 2002–03, and was nominated for the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year. In his second NHL season, Nash scored 41 goals to tie with Jarome Iginla and Ilya Kovalchuk for the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy as the NHL goal-scoring champion. Nash is also a five-time NHL All-Star and has been awarded the NHL Foundation Player Award in the 2008–09 for his work in the community.
Internationally, Nash has represented Team Canada, with whom he has won one gold and two silver medals at the World Championships, and two gold medals at the Winter Olympics in 2010 and 2014. Additionally, he has represented Canada at the 2002 World Junior Championships, helping the team to a silver medal, and also competed for Canada in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin.
