Nash, Jackets Start Talking Contract

COLUMBUS, Ohio—The clock is ticking for the Columbus Blue Jackets and captain Rick Nash.

Nash has one year left on his contract with the only NHL team for which he has played, and the Blue Jackets want to sign him to a long-term deal before he can become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Columbus general manager Scott Howson says he hopes to get a deal with Nash soon.

The Blue Jackets could lock up Nash by offering a lengthy contract similar to the 12-year, $73 million deal the Detroit Red Wings gave Henrik Zetterberg in January.

His agent, Joe Resnick, says that Nash loves Columbus and the Blue Jackets. But that only goes so far.

Resnick says the length of a contract will be a huge factor in signing Nash.

Nash set the club mark with 79 points (40 goals, 39 assists in 78 games) last season.

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