The Columbus Blue Jackets have added some center depth, signing Riley Nash to a three-year contract worth $8.25MM according to Darren Dreger of TSN. Nash came in at #15 on our Top 50 UFA List, where we had predicted exactly that term and salary—though with his former team the Boston Bruins. Instead, Nash will head to the Metropolitan Division and help replace outgoing forwards like Mark Letestu and Matt Calvert.
Nash, 29, is a useful center that can play in various situations and find success all throughout the lineup. Coming off his best season as a pro, in which he recorded 41 points for the Bruins, a three-year deal at less than $3MM is more than reasonable for the Blue Jackets. In fact, if he can find that same level of offensive success in Columbus it would be regarded as one of the better deals of free agency, though it seems unlikely given the circumstances he’s walking into. Nash was given a chance to play at times with David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand while Patrice Bergeron was injured, while Pierre-Luc Dubois will likely be anchored to the Blue Jackets’ top line as long as he stays healthy.
Instead, Nash will be asked to provide some jump among a bottom-six that struggled to keep up offensively at times last season. The Blue Jackets had just four forwards register 40 or more points on the season, with Alexander Wennberg being an incredible disappointment with only eight goals and 27 assists in 66 games. If Wennberg struggles again next season you can bet Nash will be ready and waiting to take some of his top-six and powerplay minutes.
Are you F kidding me? Why did Sweeney sign a 7th defenseman we dont need for 5/$13+, but this guy gets away?
Says a lot about what they think of JFK and Czarnik to a lesser degree.. But the Moore deal makes little sense unless they unload a Dman, I guess he takes Holdens spot but what does that do for you?
Dmen are usually in higher demand than forwards so Boston should be looking to offload at least one of them.
Czarnik signed with the Flames earlier today.
Wow…didn’t expect Nash to leave Boston. I thought Boston would be all over re signing him. This is a mistake on Sweeney
I think Sweeney is looking at the past. We’ve given similar contracts the 3rd line centers after career years and it didn’t end well (Chris Kelly). While he had a great year, I’m not overly upset he’s gone.
Interestingly, it wasn’t Rick.