The Columbus Blue Jackets are making some key moves in the front office, and they’re leaning into their roots to do it.
The team has officially promoted Chris Clark to assistant general manager and elevated franchise legend Rick Nash to director of player personnel and development. These aren’t just ceremonial titles-they’re strategic decisions that speak to the organization’s vision and the leadership it wants guiding the next chapter.
General Manager Don Waddell made it clear that both Clark and Nash have earned their promotions through hard work and dedication. “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,” Waddell said.
“They are former Blue Jackets players who care very deeply about this organization. They are intelligent, extremely hard-working and committed to our succeeding at the highest level and I am excited that they will continue to play important roles here as we move forward.”
It’s not just lip service. Clark has been a steady presence in the Blue Jackets’ front office for years, helping shape the team’s player development pipeline. His promotion to assistant GM signals a vote of confidence in his eye for talent and his ability to help steer the ship from a broader operational level.
Then there’s Rick Nash-arguably the face of the franchise for much of its early history-now stepping further into a leadership role. As director of player personnel and development, Nash will have a direct hand in shaping the future of the roster, mentoring prospects, and ensuring the organization’s development system stays competitive. It’s a natural next step for a player who’s already made a huge impact on the ice and is now doing the same off of it.
There’s something powerful about seeing a franchise bring its former players into the fold in meaningful ways. These aren’t nostalgia hires-Clark and Nash have been putting in the work behind the scenes, and this is the organization recognizing that and giving them more responsibility. It’s also a clear sign that the Blue Jackets are building with intention, leaning on people who not only know the game but also understand what it means to wear the Columbus sweater.
The timing of these promotions is also notable. The Blue Jackets are gearing up for two more games before the Olympic break, with matchups against the New Jersey Devils tonight and the Chicago Blackhawks tomorrow. It’s a critical stretch, and having a strong front office in place heading into the break could help set the tone for the second half of the season.
With Clark and Nash stepping into bigger roles, the Blue Jackets are reinforcing their commitment to long-term success. It’s a move that blends hockey IQ with organizational loyalty-exactly the kind of leadership you want when trying to build something sustainable.