The Columbus Blue Jackets are turning to two familiar faces as they continue to reshape their front office, promoting former players Rick Nash and Chris Clark into elevated roles within the organization’s hockey operations department.
Nash has been named Director of Player Personnel and Development, while Clark steps into the role of Assistant General Manager. Both bring a wealth of experience-not just from their playing days, but from years of climbing the front office ladder since hanging up their skates.
“Chris Clark and Rick Nash have each done an exceptional job as members of our hockey operations leadership group and are very deserving of these promotions,” said GM Don Waddell. “They are intelligent, extremely hard-working, and committed to our succeeding at the highest level.”
And make no mistake-this isn’t just about rewarding loyalty. These are two hockey minds who’ve earned their stripes behind the scenes.
Nash, 41, has been with the Blue Jackets in a hockey ops capacity since 2019 and most recently served as Director of Hockey Operations. Now, in his new role, he’ll have a more hands-on influence in shaping the future of the franchise-scouting talent, developing prospects, and helping build a sustainable pipeline from the AHL to the NHL.
It’s a natural evolution for a player who once was the future of the franchise. Drafted first overall in 2002, Nash was the face of the Blue Jackets for a decade, captaining the team from 2008 until his departure in 2012.
He burst onto the scene as a teenager, tying for the league lead in goals in just his second season and earning a spot on Team Canada’s Olympic roster in 2006. Across 1,060 NHL games with Columbus, the Rangers, and Bruins, Nash racked up 437 goals and 805 points-plus another 46 points in 89 playoff contests.
He retired in 2019 due to lingering concussion symptoms, but his hockey journey clearly didn’t end there.
Clark, 49, has been quietly building his resume in Columbus since 2012, serving in various front office roles before becoming GM of the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters in 2019. That experience-developing prospects, managing rosters, and running a winning affiliate-makes him a logical choice to step into the Assistant GM position. He’s also no stranger to leadership, having worn the “C” during his time with the Washington Capitals before finishing his playing career in Columbus from 2009 to 2011.
Clark’s playing days included a trip to the Stanley Cup Final with Calgary in 2004 and a 30-goal season riding shotgun with Alex Ovechkin in Washington. Now, he brings that same competitive edge and hockey IQ to the front office.
This move comes at an interesting time for the Blue Jackets. Since hiring Rick Bowness as head coach in January, the team has caught fire-going 9-1-0 over their last 10 games. With a 27-20-7 record and 61 points through 54 games, they’re just four points out of a playoff spot in a crowded Eastern Conference race.
While the on-ice product is showing signs of life, the front office is clearly thinking long-term. By promoting Nash and Clark, the Blue Jackets are doubling down on continuity, culture, and a belief in people who know what it means to wear the Columbus sweater-both on the ice and in the boardroom.
It’s a bet on character, experience, and vision. And for a franchise that’s still chasing its first deep playoff run, these are the kinds of moves that can help build something real-not just for this season, but for the seasons to come.