Rick Nash has always loved Columbus.
He was drafted here. Grew up here. Met his wife here. Put down roots here.
When he was traded to the New York Rangers in 2012, it was fair to wonder if Nash would one day return to Columbus. He's now finishing the eight-year deal he signed with the Blue Jackets in 2009, and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
And guess what? There's mutual interest.
It was believed the Blue Jackets had some degree of interest in Nash at the trade deadline, but the price was too rich. Now, they may be gearing up to make him an offer in free agency, and the "courting period" begins this week. While it may not take much courting to convince Nash, the Blue Jackets seem intent on making a pitch.
The Athletic's Aaron Portzline tweeted late Sunday night that the Blue Jackets have "more interest" in Nash now than they did at the trade deadline, and Columbus sits atop Nash's list of preferred destinations.
Nash, who turned 34 last week, is looking for a multi-year deal, and Columbus is at the top of his list. But could easily return to Boston or sign elsewhere if he believes he can win a Stanley Cup.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 25, 2018
It's about to get interesting, folks. What are your thoughts on Nash signing with the Blue Jackets and finishing his career here?
