Riley Nash

Lore & Background

Nash began his junior career with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the BCHL, where he scored 84 points in 55 games during the 2006–07 season and was named rookie of the year and team MVP. Despite being drafted 21st overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 2007, he chose to attend Cornell University, playing alongside his older brother Brendon and future NHLer Colin Greening. He was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in 2010 and signed an entry-level contract, forgoing his final year of college eligibility.

Nash made his NHL debut with the Hurricanes on December 21, 2011, against the Phoenix Coyotes, and recorded his first NHL goal on March 2, 2013, against the Florida Panthers. After six seasons with the Hurricanes organization, he signed with the Boston Bruins as a free agent in 2016. With Boston, he enjoyed a breakout 2017–18 season, setting career highs with 15 goals and 41 points, and briefly replaced an injured Patrice Bergeron on the top line alongside Brad Marchand and David Pastrňák.

Nash later signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2018, then moved through several teams in his later years: the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Arizona Coyotes. He was claimed off waivers by the Coyotes in January 2022, marking his seventh NHL club and fifth in under a season.

Reader's Guide

Riley Nash's career is notable for its longevity and versatility across multiple NHL organizations. Originally a first-round draft pick, he chose a collegiate path at Cornell University, where he developed alongside his brother and future NHL players. His professional career began with the Carolina Hurricanes organization, where he spent time in the AHL before becoming an NHL regular. Nash's most productive season came with the Boston Bruins in 2017–18, when he established career highs in goals and points while filling in on the top line during injuries. He later signed a three-year, $8.25 million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he was valued for his two-way play and right-handed faceoff ability. In his later years, Nash became a journeyman, moving through five teams in under a season, including a stint with the Arizona Coyotes after being claimed off waivers. His career reflects the path of a reliable depth forward who could contribute in various roles across different systems.

Did You Know?

• Riley Nash is the cousin of NBA player Kelly Olynyk through his mother's side.
• He recorded his first NHL assist on a goal by Andreas Nodl against the Ottawa Senators.
• Nash missed Boston's final five games of the 2017–18 regular season after a teammate's misfire shot required more than 40 stitches near his ear.
• He was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Coyotes in January 2022, his seventh NHL club.