Blue Jackets Lock In Star Forward Nash With Eight-Year, $62.4M Pact

July 4, 2009 1:11 p.m. EST

Columbus, OH (AHN) - The Columbus Blue Jackets, coming off their first post-season appearance, ensured their continuing bid of climbing to the top by inking star forward Rick Nash to an eight-year extension Friday.

The four-time All-Star and Jackets' team captain, who still has one more season left on his current deal, was signed through the 2017-18 season, in a deal valued at $62.4 million.

Nash is expected to earn an average of $7.8 million per season when the deal begins with the 2010-11 season.

The 25-year-old sniper recorded his second 40-goal season and a career and team-high 79 points over 78 contests this past season.

He also had a one goal and three points in four playoff games.

Nash, who has spent his entire six-season NHL career playing for Columbus, sizzled for a league-leading 41 goals in the regular season during his sophomore year in 2003-04.

That feat was recognized with the Rocket Richard Trophy that year, co-shared with Jarome Iginla of Calgary and Atlanta's Ilya Kovalchuk.

Nash is the franchise leader in terms of goals (194), points (355) in 441 games.

He also leads the team in power-play goals with 61, shorthanded goals with 10 and game-winning goals with 29.