"This banner doesn't represent what I did," he said, addressing the fans. "It represents what we did. … I am so humbled."
Considered the greatest player to play for the Blue Jackets, Nash is their leader in goals (289), assists (258), points (547) and games played (674) after being selected No. 1 in the 2002 NHL Draft.
Among those in attendance for the ceremony before the Blue Jackets played the Boston Bruins was Doug MacLean, who as Columbus general manager engineered the draft-day trade on June 22, 2002, to acquire the top pick from the Florida Panthers.
"We were so lucky to get Rick Nash the player, but more lucky to get Rick Nash the person," MacLean said.
Nash played nine seasons for the Blue Jackets and quickly became the face of a franchise that entered the NHL two seasons prior.
As an 18-year-old in 2002-03, he scored 39 points (17 goals, 22 assists) in 74 games and was a finalist for the Calder Trophy, which goes to player voted NHL rookie of the year. The next season, Nash became the first Blue Jackets player to win an NHL award when he scored 41 goals and shared the Rocket Richard Trophy as the top goal-scorer with Calgary Flames forward Jarome Iginla and Atlanta Thrashers forward Ilya Kovalchuk.
Nash represented Columbus five times at the NHL All-Star Game and was awarded the NHL Foundation Player Award in 2008-09 for his charitable efforts in the Columbus area.
Ken Hitchcock, who coached Nash for three seasons, including Columbus' first Stanley Cup Playoff appearance in 2009, spoke during the ceremony.
"Don't be embarrassed. You earned it. You deserve it," Hitchcock said as he faced his former player.
Nash was Blue Jackets captain from 2008-12 before he was traded to the New York Rangers on July 23, 2012. He played six seasons for the Rangers before finishing his career with the Bruins following a trade on Feb. 25, 2018.
By the time he officially retired on Jan. 11, 2019, the eight-time 30-goal scorer had scored 805 points (437 goals, 368 assists) in 1,060 NHL games.
Currently the Blue Jackets director of player development, Columbus ownership gave the 37-year-old an invitation to play at the Augusta National Golf Club, site of the Masters, and a customized golf cart.
A video tribute was shown that included congratulations from Joe Thornton, Corey Perry, Manny Malhotra, Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby. The Pittsburgh Penguins rival had his words drowned out by boos.
Nash was also given a custom blue jacket lined with more than 40 images of his career highlights, his family, and the legacy he has built in Columbus.
As Blue Jackets president John Davidson said, "It's moments like this that will be part of Blue Jackets history forever."
