COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Funny the lines that intersect at an event such as the NHL All-Star weekend.

Like the return of former Columbus Blue Jackets captain Rick Nash and the emergence of young Jakub Voracek -- another former Blue Jacket -- as the league’s leading scorer.

"I could see from the time he was a young player, he had all the talent in the world," Nash said of Voracek. "It was a matter of maturing, and gaining confidence. He's got all the tools to be the best player in the world."

The two see a lot of each other now as Nash remains the New York Rangers' top offensive player, while Voracek is lighting it up for the Philadelphia Flyers on a line with captain Claude Giroux, another player in Columbus this weekend.

Is it possible the two former Blue Jackets could play together in Sunday’s All-Star Game?

Nash said he’s looking forward to it.

As for his return to Columbus, it’s not the first time, but it is the first time where Nash is being recognized for an outstanding season that has seen him score 28 times, tied for the NHL lead.

"I'm over the boos. It doesn't affect me," Nash said. "I felt like I put a lot of work into this, to this city, to this organization. I played half my career into Columbus, and to build hockey the best I can in the area. Seems to be taking off pretty good."

Nash did admit that his first return to his original NHL home was a bit strange.

"You didn't really know what to expect," he said. "There were some cheers, and then boos. I think I expected some boos because that's what any sports fan would do when the enemy comes into town. It was just awkward. It was just a strange feeling. And it's still a strange feeling coming into this building."

"I always miss Columbus. I always miss the city. It holds a special place to me and my family. It always will."

As for Voracek, who went to Philadelphia in a deal that saw sniper Jeff Carter come to Columbus before later going to Los Angeles, the former 7th overall pick in the 2007 draft also has fond memories of his time in the All-Star city.

He joked that he might be a tour guide for some of his fellow All-Stars.

"Yeah, yeah. I know this city pretty well. I know some of the restaurants to go to. And I guess there are a couple bars that people like," he said with a laugh.

"I grew up here a little bit. I was 19 years old, and this is where I lived. They made me feel comfortable and welcomed, and you remember that. It's special for me to be here, of course. It's the All-Star Game. But being [in] Columbus ... that's good, too."