[Not really racist!]

Nash signs eight-year extension
Friday, 07.03.2009 / 8:20 PM / 2009 NHL Offseason News
NHL.com
Only a few months removed from the franchise's first-ever playoff berth, the Columbus Blue Jackets took a major step Friday in ensuring their upward climb continues.

According to TSN, team captain Rick Nash agreed to an eight-year contract extension worth $62.4 million. Nash, 25, recorded 40 goals and 79 points in 78 regular-season games this past season as Columbus posted a 41-31-10 record and finished seventh in the Western Conference.

Nash was the No. 1 pick in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft and immediately began his career with the Blue Jackets that fall. In his sophomore season, he exploded for a career-high 41 goals, sharing the Rocket Richard Trophy with Jarome Iginla of Calgary and Ilya Kovalchuk of Atlanta.

Nash has career totals of 194 goals and 355 points in 441 games over six seasons with Columbus. He was set to become a free agent following the 2009-10 season.

nhl.com