Brendon Nash
Kamloops British Columbia
Pro
| Birthday: 1987-03-31 | Position: D |
| Eligible for draft: 2007 | Shoots: Left |
| Drafted: | Height: 6-3 |
| Acquired: Free agent signing, 2010 | Weight: 206 lbs. |
Probability of Success
- C
History
2006-07 season: Nash became a main stay on the sizeable Cornell blueline, playing alongside sophomore Jared Seminoff on the team's top defensive unit. The Kamloops, BC native posted 14 points (two goals, 12 assists) in 29 games. Seven of his 14 points, including both goals, came on the power play. Nash capped his outstanding freshman campaign with a selection to the ECAC Hockey League's All-Rookie Team.
2009-10: A fourth and final season with Cornell saw little in added production for the blueliner, scoring 2 goals and 17 assists.
2010-11: Nash made his NHL debut with the Canadiens and was a valuable puck-moving defenseman for AHL Hamilton in his first pro season. Nash appeared in two February games for Montreal and was -1 while averaging just over 10 minutes of ice time. Nash got off to a fast start for the North Division champion Bulldogs in his first AHL season before seeing his offensive numbers dip late in the season. In 75 games with Hamilton he scored 5 goals with 25 assists and had 58 PMs. Nash's +22 plus/minus tied him with forward Aaron Palushaj for the team's best. Nash appeared in 19 of 20 playoff games for Hamilton and had 4 assists was +2 with 14 PMs.
2011-12: Nash was sidelined on the Long-Term Injured Reserve List after having shoulder surgery and was out for the entire season. He hoped to return before the end of the regular AHL season but that never transpired and the Bulldogs failed to make the AHL Calder Cup playoffs.
Talent Analysis
A mobile, two-way defenseman, Nash is able to facilitate the rush, and likes to pinch in to generate offense. He excels on the powerplay. Nash is sometimes guilty of being caught out of position in his own zone or being overly aggressive.
Future
Nash has lost a whole year on his development and will need to show the Canadiens' management that his shoulder is fully healthy. He will most likely start in the AHL with the Bulldogs and could be an injury replacement call-up for the Canadiens if he performs well from the start of the upcoming season.
