The Columbus Blue Jackets first superstar officially has notified the world of his retirement on Friday morning, due to concussion symptoms that have not subsided.
At the beginning of last offseason, the rumor mill was flying that Rick Nash had hoped to return to his former team, the Columbus Blue Jackets, but was waiting for what he was hoping to be positive news regarding his last concussion. Unfortunately, the news did not come in time for the start of the season, keeping Nash unsigned through the first half of the season.
Today starts a new era, as Nash has hung up the skates through an announcement from his agent. Unfortunately, the Jackets were hoping for other news, as mutual interest was on both sides during a summer meeting hoping to reunite the two sides.
At this time, it is uncertain if Nash will be signing a one-day contract with the club in order for him to retire a Columbus Blue Jacket, but one thing is for certain, he is not forgotten by his former franchise.
Despite the multiple rumors around his jersey number’s retirement and raise to the rafters, Nash’s presence is still felt throughout the Jackets record book.
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Rick Nash is number #1 in the following categories:
Franchise Games Played: 674
Franchise Goals: 289
Franchise Assists: 258
Franchise Points: 547
Even Strength Goals: 192
Power Play Goals (Jackets could really have used help here): 83
Shorthanded Goals: 14
Game Winning Goals: 44
Shots on Goal: 2278
Whether his number gets retired, or not, Rick Nash has been the most important player in Columbus Blue Jackets history. No matter whether he was well liked, or not, in his returns to Nationwide Arena cannot affect the history and importance he had to this franchise’s success.
Enjoy retirement Mr. Nash. We thank you for the endless memories, and for being an integral part in the jumpstart of the team in Union and Blue.