Rick Nash had his number 61 jersey retired by the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, March 5th. Nash is the first Blue Jacket to have his jersey hung in the rafters of Nationwide Arena. 

Nash is considered to be the greatest Blue Jacket in their short 21 year history. Nash is the franchise leader in goals (289), assists (258), points (547) and games played (674). 

Doug MacLean, one of the Blue Jacket’s former General managers, was in attendance for the ceremony. MacLean engineered the draft day trade in 2002 that helped the Blue Jackets land Nash with the first overall pick. 

“We were so lucky to get Rick Nash the player, but more lucky to get Rick Nash the person,” MacLean said.

Nash only played nine seasons for the franchise but was the face of the franchise the entire time. 

It was apparent that Nash was special from his rookie campaign. He finished the year with 17 goals and 39 points and was a finalist for the Calder Trophy, which is awarded to the NHL’s best rookie. The following season, Nash won the first award in team history when he scored 41 goals en route to the Rocket Richard Award as the leagues top goal scorer. 

Nash represented Columbus five times in the All-Star Game. He was also Captain of the team from 2008-2012 before being traded to the New York Rangers. 

Rick Nash is currently the Blue Jackets Director of Player Development.

Blue Jackets President said, “ It’s moments like this that will be part of Blue Jackets history forever.