The veteran grinder had another lackluster season in Columbus last year, managing only 14 points in 64 games and winning less than 50 percent of his faceoffs. The 31-year-old is in the final season of his contract, and while his effort in his own end has never been in question, the Jackets' additions up the middle this offseason will likely push Nash to the wing on the fourth line, or even into the press box on occasion. He has the trust of John Tortorella, but with younger, faster forwards pushing hard for roster spots, that may not be enough to earn a consistent shift.
Nash wasn't able to build on his career season in 2017-18 -- in fact, the 12 points he managed was his lowest total since he first earned a regular shift with the Hurricanes back in 2013-14. The 30-year-old doesn't really have the skills to be consistent offensive threat, but as a bottom-six grinder who can bounce between center and the wing, he still offers some utility to the Blue Jackets. There are some high-profile opportunities up front in Columbus following an exodus of talent via free agency, but Nash isn't the player to capitalize on them.
Serving primarily as the Bruins' third-line center, Nash logged 15 goals and 41 points in 76 games last season. He then parlayed his career year into a three-year, $8.25 million contract with the Blue Jackets. It remains to be seen if the 29-year-old can match the offensive numbers he put up last year, but either way, Nash profiles as a reliable two-way center who can kill penalties. Though he's best suited for a bottom-six work, Nash can hold his own when moved up in the lineup, a trait that no doubt appealed to the Columbus organization.
Though Nash got off to a slow start last season, the 28-year-old’s standing with the B’s was solidified by his improved level of play down the stretch. While the seven goals and 17 points he finished with through 81 games in 2016-17 were hardly big numbers, Nash impressed the Boston brass enough to land on the team’s protected list for the expansion draft. The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder thus remains entrenched in the bottom-six ranks, where he'll continue bringing grit, savvy and the occasional bit of offense to the table.
Nash, coming off four seasons with the Hurricanes, signed with the Bruins as a free agent in July. The 27-year-old recorded nine goals and 22 points in 64 games for the Hurricanes last season, and has never scored more than 25 points in a single campaign. He figures to carve out a bottom-six role for the Bruins – more than likely on the fourth line, a role that carries limited fantasy utility.
Nash and the Hurricanes looked as though they could be headed for a parting of ways this offseason after Carolina declined to extend him a qualifying offer, but the team instead opted to let him go through the unrestricted free agency process before ultimately bringing him back on a one-year, $1.15 million contract. Last season, Nash enjoyed a stint as the Canes’ second-line center after Jordan Staal opened the season with a broken leg, but wound up back on the third line following Staal’s return to the lineup. Still, Nash finished the season with a career-high 25 points (eight goals, 17 assists) in 68 games, and could be primed for more this season. He qualifies as a decent late-round pickup in medium to deeper fantasy formats.
In his second full season with the ‘Canes, Nash posted a career-high 24 points (10G, 14A) in 73 games. Nash’s role over the past two seasons has been that of checking-line center, anchoring the team’s third line between Patrick Dwyer and Nathan Gerbe. Nash is a great example of a player who is worth more to his NHL team than to fantasy owners. He’s a decent two-way center who is fairly responsible defensively, based on his plus-minus rating of 0 and minus-4, respectively, over the past two seasons. Problem is, Nash doesn’t figure prominently in any particular stat category, including secondary ones like PIM, hits or blocked shots. He doesn’t even see very much PK duty, averaging just 0:45 per game in SH TOI. Ultimately, this renders his fantasy value fairly limited outside of ultra-deep formats.
Nash is a low-ceiling 2-way center. His strengths are winning face-offs and killing penalties. Both admirable traits but, unfortunately they will prove to be far more valuable to Carolina than to your fantasy time. The ice time might be there in 2013-14 but the offensive production will only disappoint you in the long run. You should pass on Nash and look for centers with more upside.
Known as a consistent playmaker, Nash is just one of the many Hurricanes' prospects vying for an NHL job straight out of training camp. While this is purely speculative, he may have a leg up over other prospects after foregoing what would have been his final year at Cornell University to sign a three-year, entry-level deal with the 'Canes in July of 2010. If Riley does make the team, he could either be a dark horse fantasy pick in deep leagues, or someone worth hanging onto in keeper formats.
Nash was the Oilers first round pick in 2007. The offensive skills are there, but Nash will need to develop physically before he can even think about playing in the NHL. He is still at least a year away.
Nash is progressing very well while playing College hockey at Cornell. His size is the only impediment to him becoming a complete NHL player. He will return to Cornell for this season, but could represent Canada at the World Juniors Championship in Ottawa.
Nash will play at Cornell in 2007-08, his freshman campaign. He's got a good skill set, but needs to mature physically.
Many consider Nash a safe pick -- extremely hard working with solid skills. But a small handful of folks believe he has the raw skills that could some day turn him into an absolute monster on the wing. A kind of Todd Bertuzzi before he went over to the dark side. Nash isn't finished growing and could add another three or four inches to his 6' frame. And he already has pretty good speed and hands, so anything is possible. He's a long way off but don't forget about him -- admire from afar for at least three years.
