As TFP first reported, the Columbus Blue Jackets have signed captain Rick Nash to an eight-year contract extension.
Nash, 25, had one-year remaining on his current contract. His new deal will see him earn an average of $7.8 million per season.
"Rick is a Blue Jacket. He is our captain, the foundation of our team and one of the elite players in the National Hockey League and we are very happy that he will continue to call Columbus home for many years to come," said Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson. "This is an important and exciting day for our franchise and our fans."
Nash, a native of Brampton, Ontario, is the Blue Jackets' all-time leader in goals and points having registered 194 goals and 161 assists for 355 points in 441 career games.
Last season, he tallied 40 goals and 39 assists for 79 points, and 52 penalty minutes.
Nash was the first overall pick by Columbus at the 2002 Entry Draft.
