Rick Nash

Biography

Rick Nash was born June 16, 1984 in Brampton, Ontario. The 1st choice, 1st overall selection of the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, Nash is a graduate of the OHL's London Knights where he captured OHL Rookie of the Year honours in 2000-01 and was a member of the OHL First All-Rookie Team and CHL All-Rookie Team.

A member of the OHL's Third All-Star Team in 2001-02, Nash was also a member of Canada's 2002 Silver Medal World Junior Team and member of Canada's Gold Medal Under-18 Team at the 2001 Six Nations Tournament where he led Canada in scoring (5-5-10 in five games).

In 2002-03, Nash made the jump from junior to the NHL and quickly became one of the bright young stars of the future. In 74 games with Columbus, Nash tallied 39 points (17-22-39) and was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team, and was a finalist for the Calder Trophy as the league's top freshman. Following a strong rookie season, Nash exploded offensively in 2003-04, tying for the league lead in goals (41) with Calgary's Jarome Iginla and Atlanta's Ilya Kovalchuk. Nash became a co-winner of the Maurice Richard Trophy as the league's top goal scorer and this in only his second season in the league.

After a strong NHL season in 2003-04, Nash suited up HC Davos in 2004-05 following the NHL labour dispute and subsequently helped Canada capture a silver medal at the 2005 World Championships.