The Columbus Blue Jackets retired their first number in franchise history on March 5 with Rick Nash’s number 61 going up into the rafters.
The legendary forward spent ten years with the Blue Jackets before finishing his career with the New York Rangers and the Boston Bruins.
During his career, Nash won the Maurice Richard trophy in 2004, was a six-time NHL all-star and took home gold medals in the 2010 and 2014 winter Olympics.
Rick Nash retired from hockey in January 2019. Following his retirement, Nash moved back to Columbus and took a position in the Blue Jackets front office as an assistant to general manager Jaramo Kekäläinen. He has since been promoted to director of player development.
Rick Nash was drafted first overall in the 2002 draft, and he immediately became the face of the Columbus Blue Jackets. He is given a fair amount of credit for growing the sport of hockey in the city of Columbus.
That influence can be seen in the current iteration of the Blue Jackets, which feature two central Ohio natives in Jack Roslovic and Sean Kuraly. Both Roslovic and Kuraly said they looked up to Nash while growing up.
Rick Nash is the franchise leader in games played, goals, assists, points, power-play goals, and game-winning goals. Rick Nash truly was the first great Blue Jacket, and it is a fitting honor that his jersey was the first to be retired.
During his time here Rick Nash led the Jackets to their first-ever playoff appearance during the 2008-2009 season. Prior to that season, Nash was named the fifth captain in franchise history.
Among those back in town for the ceremony are former Blue Jackets head coach Ken Hitchcock, owner John McConnell ll, former general manager, president, and coach Doug MacLean, and former defenseman Aaron Johnson.
Among those sending their warm wishes via video included Wayne Gretzky, Jerome Iginla, Dave Vyborny, Joe Thorton, Manny Malhotra, and Sidney Crosby, who was met with plenty of boos from the Columbus fans.
The night was filled with lots of celebration and plenty of jokes for Rick Nash. He was given a custom golf cart and a tee time at Augusta sometime this year by the CBJ ownership. Blue Jackets management gifted Nash a custom jacket with the lining filled with pictures of Nash’s illustrious career.
Former teammate Aaron Johnson made a memorable speech recalling playing with Nash and coach Hitchcock. Stating that he had the best seat in the house to watch Nash play night in and night out, the bench.
“It’s amazing how brave people get when you’re retired and they’re retired. It’s amazing, they get big balls all of a sudden.” Ken Hitchcock said with a smile after the ceremony.
Rick Nash, despite all of his accomplishments on and off the ice, made sure that the night wasn’t just about him. “Yeah, it was awesome.” he said of the ceremony, “I just hope everyone felt part of it, and the fans and, you know, the staff felt like they were involved.”
One of the big things that the night represented for Nash was closure, “I think it’s come full circle from my exit here and then back and working for the team. And now tonight was so special.” Nash said.
Despite all of the well-deserved celebrations, there was still a hockey game to be played. The Boston Bruins and former CBJ captain Nick Foligno were in town to play a game. Before that could start, there was a special moment before puck-drop.
A ceremonial puck-drop was held with Nash, current Blue Jackets’s captain Boone Jenner, and former captain Nick Foligno. With the three previous/ current captains participating together for quite a special moment in Blue Jackets history.
The game that followed afterward was fast, physical, and exciting. The Jackets took a one-goal lead into the third period but found themselves down by one after two Bruins goals.
With only three seconds left in the game Jakub Voracek, who fittingly played with Nash in Columbus, scored a goal to tie the game and send it to overtime.
There were some chances for both sides in overtime, but ultimately it came down to the shootout, where the Bruins took the game.
Despite the tough loss head coach Brad Larsen was proud of his team. “I love what we gave tonight.” he said. “Our schedule has been a beast here lately, and we’re having to play against real tough opponents, all top ten teams, and you’ve got to bring it every night, and we’ve been able to hang in there, and guys are giving a lot.”
The loss though didn’t dampen the spirit of the CBJ faithful, who packed the building to see Rick Nash’s number go up to the rafters. It was announced to be a sell-out crowd of 19,434 the largest crowd in franchise history.
Rick Nash’s influence can be seen all across the city of Columbus. He helped grow the game of hockey in this city and helped grow Columbus into one of the nation’s premier hockey markets. Rick Nash was the first player to wear number 61, and now, he will be the last.
