Rick Nash may be coming back to be with the Columbus Blue Jackets after all.
But not right away, and certainly not as a player.
Per multiple reports, Rick Nash is interested in learning more about the hockey operations world of the Blue Jackets, and just might have a future in that area with the club.
Davidson (President of Hockey Operations) and Kekalainen (General Manager) have been warm in welcoming Nash back to the community surrounding the organization, inviting him to drop the puck at the Blue Jackets-New York Rangers game on Jan. 14, and even watching games with him in the past few weeks.
"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 News on March 27. "I'm definitely getting a different view of the game from the press box."
Nash also didn't hesitate to express his excitement about his recent involvement with the club turning into a role with the organization in the future:
"I hope so. They have made amazing strides with the franchise," said Nash. "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."
It seems like the big fellow just couldn't stay away from the city, even if it meant not being on the ice. There was word last offseason, and even still throughout the first half of this regular season, that Nash could potentially return to the ice and would be interested in joining the Blue Jackets. But on Jan. 11, Nash announced his retirement, citing multiple concussions and a desire to look out for his health long term.
Nash is the most decorated Blue Jacket of all time and served as a captain for the club for five seasons. He leads the categories of games played, goals, assists and points by huge amounts. Though his exit around being traded to the Rangers in 2012 seemed a little shaky, Nash has always been clear about his love for the city of Columbus and the growth of the club.
If any former player deserves to work with the Blue Jackets' front office, it's Rick Nash.