The Columbus Blue Jackets are turning to familiar faces as they continue reshaping their front office. On Monday, the team announced the promotions of Rick Nash to Director of Player Personnel and Chris Clark to Assistant General Manager-two moves that underscore the franchise’s commitment to building from within and leaning on leadership with deep organizational roots.
Let’s start with Nash, whose name already hangs from the rafters at Nationwide Arena. The franchise’s first-ever superstar and still its all-time leading scorer, Nash has been steadily climbing the front office ladder since retiring in 2018.
After wrapping up a 1,060-game, 805-point NHL career, he rejoined the Blue Jackets in 2019 as Special Assistant to the GM. From there, he took on roles as Director of Player Development and Director of Hockey Operations, gaining valuable experience on both the scouting and development sides of the business.
Now 41, Nash’s impact on the Blue Jackets goes well beyond his numbers. He was the face of the franchise during its formative years, a rare bright spot on a young expansion team trying to find its identity.
Drafted first overall in 2002, he carried the team through its early struggles, made multiple All-Star appearances, and eventually helped set the tone for what the Blue Jackets hoped to become-competitive, resilient, and respected. His promotion to Director of Player Personnel is a continuation of that legacy, and it’s clear Columbus sees him as a cornerstone in shaping the next generation of Blue Jackets talent.
Chris Clark, meanwhile, has been a steady presence in the organization for over a decade. Since joining the Blue Jackets in 2012 as a development coach, he’s worked his way up with a reputation for player development and team-building. His most recent role as Director of Player Personnel and GM of the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters has been marked by progress-Cleveland has made playoff appearances in back-to-back seasons, a testament to Clark’s eye for talent and ability to foster growth at the minor league level.
At 49, Clark brings a blend of NHL experience and front office acumen. A former sixth-round pick by the Calgary Flames in 1994, he suited up for 607 NHL games with the Flames, Capitals, and Blue Jackets before retiring in 2011. His on-ice leadership-he wore the “C” in Washington-and his post-playing track record make him a trusted voice in the room and a valuable asset to GM and President of Hockey Operations Don Waddell.
Waddell, who took over in 2024, now has a leadership group that blends institutional knowledge with fresh perspective. Nash and Clark aren’t just former players-they’re former Blue Jackets, deeply invested in the team’s success and culture. It’s a front office that understands the city, the fan base, and the long road the franchise has traveled to get here.
And while the standings show the Blue Jackets still outside the Wild Card picture, there’s reason for optimism. Since Rick Bowness took over behind the bench, Columbus has rattled off eight wins in his first nine games.
That’s not just a hot streak-it’s a sign that something might be clicking. With a young, talented core and a front office that knows how to nurture it, the Blue Jackets could be on the verge of opening a new competitive window, not unlike their rise in the late 2010s.
Around the League:
In Vancouver, Head Coach Adam Foote told reporters that Filip Chytil is unlikely to return for the team’s final game before the Olympic break. Chytil is dealing with migraines-particularly concerning given his history with concussions.
The 26-year-old forward had just returned in late January after a previous concussion and has played six games without registering a point. In total, he’s appeared in just 27 games since being traded from the Rangers a year ago.
His long-term future remains uncertain, and it’s a tough situation for a player who’s shown flashes of top-six potential when healthy.
In Buffalo, the Sabres will be without forward Zach Benson tonight in Tampa Bay. The 20-year-old exited last night’s game against the Panthers after crashing into the boards and didn’t return.
He’s being evaluated for an upper-body injury. Benson has been a bright spot for the Sabres this season, tallying 26 points in 42 games and thriving in a top-six role.
With just one game left before the Olympic break, the team is hoping the injury won’t sideline him for long. He’s just five points away from setting a new career high-and he’s earned every bit of his expanded role this year.