When Columbus’ general manager Scott Howson traded for Jeff Carter over the offseason, his intention was to finally give Rick Nash a top center to play alongside. Now, as the NHL trade deadline nears, Nash might soon be playing on a line of elites, but he wont be in a Blue Jackets sweater.
Still desperately trying to bring a winning franchise to Columbus, Howson might move Rick Nash to make amends for mistakes made in the offseason overhaul.
Background
Following the roster shakeup, nobody blamed Carter for being upset. Prior to the trade, the All-Star center had signed a long-term contract with the Flyers. He took less money to stick with Philadelphia, and felt as if the organization had betrayed him. It was understandable.
What wasn’t understandable the way Carter displayed his displeasure. The ex-Flyer refused to talk to the media for days after the trade, claiming he was too upset to make a statement. In response, the Blue Jackets’ most-notable personnel, including Rick Nash, made a trip to The City of Brotherly Love to coax the Carter out of isolation.
This wasn’t the center’s first unpopular decision however, as he and former teammate Mike Richards never tried to hide their affection for partying.
If gossip and leaked pictures weren’t enough to support the case against trading for Carter, Howson had access to comments from Philadelphia’s general manager Paul Holmgren at his disposal. Everyone did, they were all over the Internet.
The Mistake
With all this evidence working against Carter, why did Howson want to swap players for him? Here’s some speculation about what Howson saw on the resume:
-Former All-Star
-First-line center
-History of playing in the post-season
My question is, who said that Jacub Voracek (who left Columbus in the trade) didn’t have the potential to be an NHL All-Star? Sure the winger didn’t meet all the criteria on Howson’s wish list, but he proved he had the skill to play with the league’s best.
Holmgren realized the value in Voracek, and now the Blue Jackets are too. Through 57 games this season, Voracek has 33 points. Carter, who has been plagued with injuries, has 21 points in 33 games.
Sure, Carter has been slightly more productive than his counterpart, but take into account that he averages more than three more minutes of ice time than Voracek does.
But the trade for Carter wasn’t a one-for-one swap. Columbus also relinquished a first and third-round draft pick to the Flyers.
Now, in his first year of eligibility, that first-round pick, Sean Couturier, is among the frontrunners for the Calder Trophy (awarded to the league’s top rookie). Couturier has 10 goals, 11 assists, and a 14 plus/minus rating, this season.
Philadelphia selected Nick Cousins with its third-round pick. Cousins, playing in the Ontario Hockey League, has 71 points through 54 games this season.
The Result
Needless to say, the Carter deal was purely a steal for the Flyers. They dumped off a troublesome forward, and scooped up two promising young players in the process.
But not so fast, Philadelphia might be coming back for more. The Flyers are among Rick Nash’s suitors, meaning trade talks between Howson and Holmgren have opened once again.
Ready for the icing on the cake? Couturier is among the players Columbus is interested in acquiring for Nash.
Simply put, Howson is using the Blue Jackets’ franchise player to get back a player he once had in his mitts. He’s backtracking, and Rick Nash could pay the price.
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