Kamloops hockey product Riley Nash is preparing for his annual summer trip to Kamloops after a first round playoff exit.

Acquired from Columbus at the trade deadline, Nash only ended up playing in two playoff games with the Toronto Maple Leafs before they lost in seven games to the Montreal Canadiens.

“[Toronto] was an awesome experience. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, but it was definitely a challenge,” Nash told NL Sports from Connecticut, where his wife’s family lives.

Even though its his off-season, Nash is keeping an eye on the rest of the NHL playoffs.

“I think the playoffs have been awesome. It’s fun to see the fans back. You could see when we were playing just the difference it atmosphere and intensity. It’s great to have the fans back and it feels like playoff hockey once again,” he said.

After 578 NHL games over 12 professional seasons, Nash is an Unrestricted Free Agent once again. He will soon be looking at potential offers, as he hopes to keep playing.

“I had a three-year deal and it just feels like it was yesterday. The player I am and the role that I play, this is something I’ll have to do for however many more years I play.,” added Nash.

“I’m not nervous about it. I’ll just ride the waves and see what happens…find a nice fit, and a winning culture”

The former first round pick of the Edmonton Oilers (27th overall, 2007), Nash is coming off a three year deal worth $8.25M he signed with Columbus. While he’s looking forward to seeing where hockey takes him next, immediate plan is for some downtime.

“We’ll be spending a lot of time out at the lake. Hopefully a little time on the golf course. We have a four-month old now so a lot will be dependent on that,” Nash said.

“We’re just looking forward to seeing family. It’s been awhile.”