Columbus Names Rick Nash The Director of Hockey Operations

The Columbus Blue Jackets today named Rick Nash to the position of Director Of Hockey Operations. 

The team also announced that Zach Abdou has been hired as Senior Manager of Hockey Operations and Basil McRae will serve as Director of Pro Scouting.

Don Waddell said in a statement, “Rick Nash is an extremely bright guy who has become an important part of our hockey operations leadership group." “He is very passionate about the Columbus Blue Jackets and this community and has been a great resource for me since I arrived here in late May. Rick made a significant impact on this organization as a player and will continue to do so in his role as director of hockey operations.”

The statement also clarifies what Nash will be doing. "Nash will be involved in all aspects of the team’s hockey operations department and will continue to oversee the development and advancement of players throughout the organization."

Abdou came over from Carolina where he held a few different positions in the hockey ops department since 2021. Per the team, "He will assist the department with forecasting and budgeting, database management, and contract analysis."

The Columbus front office continues to take shape, and it's definitely being shaped for the future. Rick Nash is on the path to take over for Waddell in a few years. 

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