A NEW NASH BASH: Rick Nash served the Rangers well when he wore the Blue Shirt. He also was – and is – "an extremely bright guy." Which is why Blue Jackets new boss Don Waddell used those words when he hit Rick with a new title: Director of Hockey Operations in Columbus. Stan Fischler US Hall Of Fame MSG J.D. is O.K.: Those of us worrying about how Old Pal John Davidson will fare in Blue Jacket Country; sweat no more. JD is now Waddell's "senior advisor and alternate governor." Translated: Davidson still gets a paycheck, can relax and do wise man schmoozing. BERUBE IS SEARCHING: The Leafs' new coach and a swell guy, Craig Berube says he wants his club "to have an identity." But they do already have one and it's called "The Never Cup-Winners." (That can change the minute GM. Brad Treliving finds a taker for John Tavares!) IGGY'S PRICE NOT RIGHT: At a cool $10.5 million Montreal's Carey Price was the NHL's highest-paid goalkeeper. There's talk that Igor Shesterkin' agent wants to top Price's preposterous paycheck. If MSG gives in to that demand it would be NUTS. SWING AND SWAYMAN: The Bruins goal will look like a giant sieve if huffy-miffy Jeremy Swayman doesn't get off his high horse and sign on the dotted line. It's not like this Alaskan is a regular Vezina Trophy-winner. He's lucky that he can be a regular. THE UNSUNG OILER: Nothing against the amazing, newlywed Connor McDavid nor sidekick Leon Draisaitl, but The Maven's Choice as Edmonton's "Unsung MVP" is none other than Zach Hyman, the lamplighter's Lamplighter. COMING UP, AN OTTAWA RINK: Rangers fans who like to jet to see a Senators' home game often have been dismayed when they learn that the rink is far from Downtown Ottawa; too far. The good news is that a new Downtown arena is being planned. GETTING OFF THE MAT: The most intriguing "tryout" this fall belongs to Matt Martin. The durable son-in-law of Boomer Esaison – himself a huge Rangers fan – knows he's a longshot to break into Patrick Roy's lineup but I credit Marvelous Matty for trying.
