Nash not scared of rebuild
Free agent centre sees Canucks as team that could improve in a hurry
Riley Nash knows time moves fast — especially in the rapidly transitioning NHL.
An obstacle for any unrestricted free agent considering being part of a rebuild — the Vancouver Canucks have reached out to the agent for the Boston Bruins centre during the league’s five-day interview window — is knowing winning will be harder than reaching contract terms.
Lots of losing? That’s often a destination non-starter.
However, Nash believes a turnaround for the Canucks isn’t as far off as most believe. He has played against Brock Boeser and pumped the rookie’s tires Monday. He knows all about Elias Pettersson and Adam Gaudette, and knows the game is now about youth, speed and skill.
Nash is convinced the Canucks are ahead of the transition curve. And because they need a responsible centre who can move up and down their lineup — while also providing a twoway presence, touch of scoring and mentorship — he could fit the bill after a career, 41-point season (15 goals, 27 assists).
But what about transitional teething? There’s going to be more pain in Van City.
“It’s not something I would be scared of and I’m looking forward to talking to them,” the 29-year-old Nash said while on vacation in Cape Town, South Africa. “We’ve done our research and it’s pretty interesting. We’re obviously aware of what’s going on in Vancouver and I think they have a pretty good future ahead of them.
“It (a turnaround) might come faster than a lot of people think. Boeser had a great year until he got hurt and proved he could put up a lot of goals (29) and points (55). Pettersson is obviously a world-class talent and I’ve heard a lot of good stories on him.
“They’re not that far off and I don’t think it will be a long rebuild. We came out there (a 6-1 loss Feb. 17) and were playing some of our best hockey and it (result) just showed just how close they were.”
The Canucks need to replace the retired Henrik Sedin. They need a centre who can shepherd Pettersson until he moves into the middle. They need a third-line pivot who can move up to the second line, play the power play and kill penalties. Nash can do all that.
Last season, he went from measured fourth-line minutes, to a reliable third-line pivot and capable replacement on the top line when Patrice Bergeron was twice sidelined by injury. It’s why there are several suitors doing more than just kicking the free agent tires on Nash.
“I was consistent — I finally proved myself,” added Nash, a 2007 first-round pick of the Edmonton Oilers, who played four seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes before joining the Bruins in 2016. “I needed to adjust to new systems in Boston and I finally found my way.
“I thought I was strong from start to finish and didn’t have any lulls in my game.”
Part of that came from within and part came from Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy. Much like Canucks bench boss Travis Green, the onus was on Nash to earn his spot.
“He (Cassidy) let me go about my business,” said Nash. “He lets his guys dictate how much ice time they’re going to get and where they’ll be in the lineup. You have to earn the trust and he’ll give you more responsibility. I played some of my best hockey in Boston because he has that kind of personality.”
It’s fair to wonder if Nash’s ascension from 17 to 41 points in one season is a oneoff or the result of more playing time on better lines. Bet on the latter.
“He really elevated his game,” said Cassidy. “It’s always been in him. It’s up to the player to go bring it out.”
He did.