Part two of Rick Nash’s prolonged split
with the Blue Jackets has begun as GM Scott Howson has resumed taking offers
for Columbus’ franchise player.
At the trade deadline, Nash
submitted a list of ten teams he would be willing to join. The Columbus Dispatch
reported the Bruins, Kings, Rangers, Sharks, and Maple Leafs were among the
teams Nash listed. However, Nash has never been one for the limelight and his
personality suggests he is not enjoying the frenzy that surrounds his future,
regardless of the control he has of it.
Throughout his career Nash has
refused to bask in the stardom that comes with being a five-time All-Star and
team leader. When he addressed the media following his asking for a trade, he
disregarded personal motives and merely stated that he wanted the best for
Columbus.
Nash’s unselfish and humble attitude
implies that he might accept a trade to a team he has not previously listed if
it means the process will cease. If this is true, teams such as Philadelphia
and Carolina may have a greater chance than some previously believed. However,
the Flyers’ future with either James Van Riemsdyk or Sean Couturier is dim as
long as they wish to welcome Nash to The City of Brotherly Love and Carolina’s
interest warrants recognition and nothing else.
Meanwhile, Howson will continue to
entertain offers until one meets his steep asking price. The Blue Jackets’ lack
of success and desire for immediate results indicates the team wants a deal that
will bring at least one NHL ready or established player to Columbus in exchange
for their star forward. Whether Howson wishes to land that player in a
blockbuster or package deal remains undetermined.
The Blue Jackets largest chance at
landing another All-Star depends on whether the Maple Leafs are wiling to sever
their ties with Phil Kessel to make room for an Ontario-born winger in Nash.
San Jose is another team that could
swing a blockbuster deal for Nash. Forwards Logan Couture and Joe Pavelski have
been in Nash trade talks before, though the Sharks have pinned the 23-year-old
Couture as “untouchable.” While the label seems permanent, the right deal could
easily remove it.
Nash’s relationship with San Jose’s
Joe Thornton may be the reason the Blue Jackets have been in communication with
the Sharks. The two played together on Sweden’s HC Davos and on Team Canada.
However, San Jose has not been as persistent in acquiring Nash this offseason as
it was before the 2012 trade deadline.
Boston is another team that appears
to be less active in trade talks. Because Tim Thomas has announced he will not
play next season, Columbus can no longer look to the Bruins to solve their
goaltending struggles and therefore the possibility of striking a deal with
Boston is not as plausible.
Teams showing less interest in Nash
have opened the door for others who have maintained their pursuit of the power
forward. The New York Rangers, who have long been considered the favorite to
acquire Nash, are gaining an edge with the Sharks’ refusal to move Couture and
the Bruins’ goaltending shake-up.
Similarly to San Jose, the Rangers
have stated some players are “untouchable.” Playoff standouts Chris Kreider and
Ryan McDonagh have been said to be off limits though signs show that Howson
will not accept a trade without one of players.
In the event that Howson cedes, New
York still has a variety of assets they could unload. Defensemen Carl Hagelin
and Michael Del Zotto could add to Columbus’ strong blue line, though the Blue
Jackets would benefit more from goal-scorers such as Brandon Dubinsky and Derek
Stepan.
Draft picks and prospects will
probably be a part of any deal Columbus accepts but the team’s hunger for
immediate change means that at least one big name will come in return for Nash.
It also means that soon, the Blue Jackets fan base will be buzzing and Nash
will finally find serenity after months of frenzied gamesmanship.
