Rick Nash is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and he's apparently eyeing a return to the place where his career began.

According to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, the veteran forward is looking for a multi-year deal and has the Columbus Blue Jackets at the top of his list. Portzline adds that Nash could return to the Boston Bruins or a team considered to be a Stanley Cup contender. 

The Blue Jackets weren't interested in Nash at this year's trade deadline, but are showing more interest now, says Portzline.

The 34-year-old scored 21 goals and 13 assists over 71 games split between the New York Rangers and Bruins in 2017-18, his 15th year in the NHL. He scored three goals and added two assists over 12 playoff games. 

Boston acquired Nash from New York at the trade deadline for Ryan Spooner, Matt Beleskey, Ryan Lindgren, a 2018 first-round pick and a 2019 seventh-round pick.

Columbus selected Nash first overall in the 2002 NHL Draft and the Brampton native scored 289 goals with 258 assists over 674 career games with the Blue Jackets, all franchise highs for the organization. The six-time All-Star won the 2003-04 Maurice Richard Trophy in his sophomore campaign. Nash only appeared in four playoff contests with Columbus. 

Nash is coming off an eight-year, $62.4 million contract and is ranked eighth on TSN's free agent list.