TSN's Darren Dreger put out the story of the extension being signed. They usually are dead on the mark but with something this important to the Blue Jackets, I wanted confirmation.

I got it within seconds after I sent a text to Blue Jackets General Manager Scott Howson who verified the report to me.

As you could expect, the Blue Jackets fan base have just exploded over the news. Howson also could hardly hold in his excitement.

“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 Howson. “This is an important and exciting day for our franchise and our fans.”

Howson also stated to the Dispatch, "It's a very fair number," Howson said. "(Nash) made a statement to the team and the city that he's not out for the last dollar. He wanted to have a fair contract that allows us the flexibility to build the team around him."

Well, he might not have got the last dollar but he didn't do too bad. Nash now is the fifth highest cap hit in the league. Only Ovechkin, Crosby, Malkin and E. Staal make more.

Nash will make $7 million next season in the final year of his current deal. He'll make $7.5 million in 2010-11, and then the contract goes up slightly each season before Nash makes $8.2 million in 2017-18.

According to the Dispatch, the deal includes a no-movement clause in the first five seasons, and a modified no-trade clause in the final three.

"Rick did not want to go unrestricted (next summer)," said Joe Resnick, Nash's agent. "He believes in what they're doing in Columbus. He believes in his teammates. He truly loves the city," was that statement from the Nash camp to the Dispatch.

Now, how about a puck moving defenseman that can help out the power play?!?! Howson knows that there is still some work to be done.

Also, on another note, the suicide watch is in full effect in Toronto. Maple Leafs fans were already ready to buy their Nash Leafs sweaters. I don't know if the reaction was larger by the Blue Jacket fan base or the Maple Leafs fan base. Obviously each camp had much different reactions

Fire The Cannon!

Eric Smith
Eric.Smith@HockeyBuzz.com

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