Nash and Blue Jackets agree to extension

July 3, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

A lot can change in 24 hours. For star left wing Rick Nash and the Columbus Blue Jackets, that’s precisely the case as the club was able to negotiate an eight-year extension worth $62.4 million.

This comes a day after the 25 year-old power forward wasn’t pleased with progress but that changed as the sides got closer to an agreement earlier today. It allows the BJ’s best player to stay put which was a must for a franchise that finally saw its first postseason this past Spring. Even though the Red Wings swept them in the first round, the best is just ahead. Especially with their captain fully entrenched.

In 2008-09, Nash finished tied for fifth in the league in goals with 40 while posting career highs in assists (39), points (79) and plus/minus (11).  Since Columbus made him the first overall pick in 2002, he’s produced 194 goals and 161 assists totaling 355 points in 441 career games. That included scoring 30 at least four times while reaching 40-or-more twice- developing into one of the game’s elite finishers.

The new deal won’t kick in until the following season with Nash set to earn $7 million for 2009-10. The cap hit averages out to $7.8 million-per-season.  Not bad for a player whose best years are clearly ahead. The cost will probably be a steal which tells you all you need to know about the cap limiting big contracts.

It’s refreshing to see loyalty in an era where so many players wait out free agency before going to the highest bidder. Good for Nash and the BJ’s on getting this done.