Columbus Blue Jackets President and General Manager Don Waddell has made a big announcement regarding management. There have been a number of additions. The biggest addition is Blue Jackets legend Rick Nash. Nash has been hired as Columbus’ Director of Hockey Operations.
BREAKING NEWS! 👀
Rick Nash has been named our Director of Hockey Operations!
In addition, President and GM Don Waddell announced that Basil McRae will now serve as Director of Pro Scouting, and Zach Abdou was hired as Senior Manager of Hockey Operations.
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) September 20, 2024
Nash Named Director of Hockey Operations
Previously, Nash was already a member of the Blue Jackets management for the past five seasons. In his first two years, he was a special assistant to Jarmo Kekalainen, the general manager at the time. Since then, the 40-year-old has been the director of player development. But now, he holds the highest role of his management career with the Blue Jackets.
He also has experience in the front office with the national team. In the 2021-22 season, he was the assistant general manager for Team Canada at the World Championships. He joined Coyotes legend Shane Doan and long-time Team Canada executive Scott Salmond. Canada went on to win that World Championship. Thanks to a Nick Paul goal, it was an overtime victory in the final over Finland.
Other Additions to the Staff
Waddell has announced some other hires and promotions. Basil McRae will now serve as the Director of Pro Scouting. Also, Zach Abdou has been hired as the Senior Manager of Hockey Operations.
McRae has been a member of the Blue Jackets management for quite a while. He’s been a long-time scout for Columbus, dating back to the 2013-14 season. McRae is also a part-owner of the London Knights franchise in the OHL, along with brothers Dale Hunter and Mark Hunter. As for Abdou, he was the Senior Manager of Hockey Operations for the Carolina Hurricanes last season and a member of their management for three total years. Waddell, the former president and general manager of the Hurricanes, brought him over to join him in Columbus.
Main Photo Credit: Russell LaBounty – USA TODAY Sports
