The Blue Jackets struck on Day 1 of the NHL's free agency period.
While many of the top targets fell off the board early – including the blockbuster signing of John Tavares by the Toronto Maple Leafs – the Blue Jackets were never going to do big-game hunting.
What they did do, however, was wait patiently and find a deal that made sense. They signed veteran forward Riley Nash to a three-year deal worth a reported $2.75 million annually, as first reported by TSN's Darren Dreger.
The Blue Jackets confirmed the signing just before 5 p.m. ET Sunday.
"Riley Nash is right-handed center who showed great versatility in having the best season of his career last year. He plays a very sound two-way game, will provide depth for our club down the middle," Kekalainen said in a team release.
As others have commented, Riley Nash will help down the middle for #CBJ. Good depth C pic.twitter.com/QA8qTztpdP
— Alison (@AlisonL) July 1, 2018
Nash, 29, took a step forward during his time with the Boston Bruins over the last few years. Originally a first-round pick of the Edmonton Oilers in 2007, Nash went to the Carolina Hurricanes and then to Boston where his career got traction.
He scored a career-high 15 goals and totaled 41 points in 2017-18 and gives the Blue Jackets some flexibility; he has the ability to play wing or center and can play in a variety of situations.
After seeing Matt Calvert depart to Colorado on a three-year deal worth more money annually, GM Jarmo Kekalainen is coming out looking pretty good here with the Nash contract.
