The Blue Jackets stayed relatively quiet in free agency, as expected. They made a couple minor league signings, and signed one player who will be a regular NHL player in Riley Nash. For most people this maybe wasn’t the Nash they wanted to see but this is a very good signing for the Blue Jackets.

Riley Nash signs a three-year contract with Columbus. Last year is probably an aberration, but he's a good defensive center who can drive play & be useful on breakouts. pic.twitter.com/9gCdqCMg7W

— Corey Sznajder (@ShutdownLine) July 1, 2018

Riley Nash (3x2.75, CBJ) is a bottom-six forward. pic.twitter.com/RPjg80CLBo

— Micah Blake McCurdy (@IneffectiveMath) July 1, 2018

Nash is a strong bottom six forward. He’s coming off a 41 point season for the Bruins, by far a career high.

riley nash career progression.

he took a big jump last season, playing the most 5v5 ice per game of his career - roughly 1-2 minutes per game more than all but one of his four seasons w/ carolina. this is likely similar to the role he will play w/ #cbj. pic.twitter.com/gWoJLVfFd7

— Jeremy Crowe (@307x) July 1, 2018

Nash will provide depth scoring and most importantly he plays centre. He will fit in nicely as the third line centre and could very easily have another 40 point season if he plays alongside some skilled wingers like an Oliver Bjorkstrand.

The best part of this move however is the cost. Nash signed for three seasons at $2.75M per.

Correction, $2.75 x 3 for Nash. https://t.co/OuFxIJ6G9o

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2018

That is a smaller deal than what Matt Calvert signed for and Nash is much better player.

This is a very good signing, now let’s just hope he chooses to wear number 61.

You can follow me on Twitter @PaulBerthelot

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