In the midst of the Bruins signing David Backes and Anton Khudobin back on July 1st, many fans missed the Riley Nash signing. General manager Don Sweeney signed the 27-year-old forward to a two-year deal worth $900K per season. Some people questioned the signing right away, saying it was “necessary” or “a waste”. Before you decide whether to like Nash or hate him, just know this move could potentially provide the Bruins some help.
Nash enjoyed three straight 20-point seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes before signing with the Bruins in the beginning of July. He’s not a huge point producer, but he is a solid center and can play on any line. The Bruins are loaded at the center position, so it would not surprise me at all if Nash is moved to the wing.
Nash also plays extremely well in all three zones. His defensive breakouts are pretty underrated and he is wicked smart in the neutral zone. In the offensive zone, he positions himself in all the right places to succeed. He may not be the flashiest player, however he may help provide some secondary scoring, and that was something the Bruins lacked at times last season.
Nash wasn’t signed for his offensive abilities, in my opinion. I think he was signed because his defensive style fits Coach Claude Julien’s game plan.
If Nash sees himself playing as a fourth line center, he will definitely have some competition. Noel Acciari, who was the fourth line center from the trade deadline to the last game of the season, will be in the hunt to earn the job back. Tim Schaller will also be hungry to win that spot. If all things go as planned, I think Acciari will earn the fourth line center role, which would force Nash to the wing. Nash may be better off on the wing in my mind.
Nash may not work out in Boston, however it is unlikely he falters. Although, he’s on a cheap contract, so waiving him wouldn’t be the biggest issue. But Nash looks like he’ll mesh in well with a Bruins team hoping to get back to the playoffs.
