The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Agent Joe Resnick announced last week that in the event that the 2004-05 NHL season is cancelled due to a lockout, All-Star client Rick Nash will sign a contract to play with HC Davos of the Swiss Elite League. This past season, 20-year-old Nash was co-recipient of the Rocket Richard Trophy, the NHL's award for the top regular season goal scorer. His 41 goals in 2003/2004 tied him for the NHL high with Jarome Iginla of the Calgary Flames and Ilya Kovalchuk of the Atlanta Thrashers. Nash is under contract with the Blue Jackets should the NHL labour dispute be resolved prior to the start of the season. "There is no question that come September 15 I want to put on my Blue Jackets sweater and help my team compete for a playoff spot," said Nash. "I would hate to lose a season, especially in a market like Columbus with such amazing fans. With that being said, I am a young hockey player and I want to make sure that I am always developing my skills. If I can't play in Columbus, then I will choose the next best alternative in order to be the best player I can be." HC Davos is one of the premier hockey franchises in Europe and competes in the ultra-competitive Swiss Elite League. The team plays out of Davos, Switzerland, Europe's largest mountain resort. The club is also well known for its annual tournament ?- the Spengler Cup ?- which is held every December and is considered to be one of the most important hockey tournaments in the world. Team Canada won the latest edition of the Spengler Cup in 2003. "I think everyone would agree that Rick is a young athlete with his priorities in order," said legal counsel Gord Kirke, who along with Resnick and Brad Robins represents Nash. "He is very loyal to the Columbus organization and its fans and that's where he would prefer to be, but he understands the value of playing elite hockey to continue his growth as a player in the event of a labour stoppage. Davos is a team that competes at a very high level and Rick will be challenged on a daily basis." This announcement follows on the heels of Joe Thornton's decision to play overseas with the same club. Thornton, a three-time NHL All-Star, finalized his contract to play with HC Davos on July 8th. The Boston Bruins' Captain is presently a Group II Restricted Free Agent. "If there is a work stoppage, I do look forward to playing with Joe Thornton who is one of the best in the game," said Nash. "Besides learning from Joe, I will have a tremendous opportunity to gain international experience and show that I can compete in a high-caliber European league. I want to prove that I am able to represent Canada on the international stage - in World Cup and Olympic competitions in the future."
