Riley Nash
We are handing out report card grades and not superlatives, but if we were, Riley Nash would win for most disappointing player of the year so far. Nash, 29, was signed in the offseason and was expected to be the Jackets third line center after having a few solid seasons in Boston. But that hasn’t been the case and Nash now finds himself close to being a healthy scratch.
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He wasn’t expected to come into Columbus and blow the doors off offensively, but the team certainly hoped he could put up more than two assist in 20 games. That just isn’t going to cut it no matter who you are. But it’s especially troubling if you are making $2.75 million a season.
Beyond the offensive disappointment there are plenty of defensive struggles to point out as well. Nash has been a solid 200 foot center in past seasons, but this year, he hasn’t been able to be counted on in his own end. Nash is a -3 so far this season and is boasting a lowly 45% corsi for rate.
Nash has slid from third line center, to fourth line center, and now is a fourth line winger. He hasn’t shown any sign of improvement and his demotion I fear will continue to him sitting in the press box for games soon.
Not the start to the season Nash, or the organization, wanted to see.