Nash's ad in the Dispatch. (Puck-Rakers Blog)

After nine years of near-wedded bliss, Rick Nash and the Columubs Blue Jackets had a pretty bad breakup. It all started at the beginning of the year when Nash asked GM Scott Howson for a trade and it only got worse from there.

Eventually, after some images were tarnished and a little mud was slung, Nash was headed to the Rangers for what most considered an underwhelming return.

From all accounts, Nash got what he wanted and left Columbus. Still, that doesn't mean he didn't enjoy his time in central Ohio. He wouldn't have stayed as long as he did if he hadn't. You stick around in one city for a decade and parting will be tough.

So Nash did what a lot of athletes leaving town do ... he thanked the fans in Columbus with an ad in the Columbus Dispatch.

It reads thusly:

Dear Blue Jackets fans,

Thank you for the unwavering support you have shown me over the past nine seasons.

I am so fortunate to have had the chance to call Columbus home and to say proudly that I am from the Buckeye state.

Thanks for the Memories. Thanks for everything.

Rick Nash

Nash isn't the first to do this and he won't be the last, but that doesn't diminish the gesture much. It's always nice to see a player thanking the fans on their way out of town.

For more hockey news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnHockey and @StubitsCBS on Twitter and like us on Facebook.