The latest trade rumors around the league regarding Rick Nash:
February 26th:
- Katie Strang of ESPNNY tweeted “Doesn’t appear Rangers are willing to concede to CBJ demands. At this point, NYR considered out of running for Nash.”
- Bob McKenzie via twitter “Obviously possible Rick Nash could move by tomorrow but it were close in any way do you think CBJ would’ve played him today?”
February 24th:
- Darren Dreger is reporting that the Leafs will push the Blue Jackets to make decision on Nash. Would like to know by tomorrow. NYR will likely do the same. Brown is plan B.
February 23rd:
- Aaron Portzline tweeted: “Told the trade of
#CBJ C Jeff Carter does not impact CBJ’s willingness to trade captain Rick Nash. He’s still available for right price.” - Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting the San Jose Sharks are trying to take a bite of the Columbus Blue Jackets before the deadline. Not only is Sharks General Manager Doug Wilson talking to Jackets counterpart Scott Howson about Rick Nash, league sources told the QMI Agency Wednesday San Jose is also studying a deal for Jeff Carter. The Sharks aren’t the only team in the Golden State trying to get Nash, or Carter for that matter. Kings GM Dean Lombardi, so desperate to make a move to save his job, has held talks with Howson on both players.
- According to the Ottawa Sun the publication which originally reported Nash’s availability, Scott Howson’s current asking price is “non-negotiable” and “gigantic in nature,” i.e. a valuable roster player, top prospect, and 2012 first-round pick.
February 22nd:
- TSN’s Darren Dreger reported Tuesday night that the Sharks are a strong contender for Nash’s services. Sources have told Dreger that the Columbus Blue Jackets wanted Logan Couture in return, but that was quickly rejected by Sharks General Manager Doug Wilson.
February 20th:
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch tweeted General Manager Scott Howson said “We’re waiting for the right deals. We’re getting closer. But we’re not there yet.” An indication that trade talks are moving in positive direction with teams?
- Rick Nash is willing to OK a deal to go to the Boston Bruins, but what the Blue Jackets want from the Bruins might be a bit too much. For one, they want Tuukka Rask and thats a “non-starter” for the Bruins, ESPNBoston.com’s James Murphy reports. But in addition, the Blue Jackets will likely want prospect Dougie Hamilton, who could develop into an elite defenseman in the next few years. And that’s not all, the Blue Jackets will want a draft pick, also. This type of package is expected to be way to high of an asking price for the Bruins.
- The New York Post’s Larry Brooks writes that, right now, the Blue Jackets are believed to be asking for Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan McDonagh or Michael Del Zotto, prospect Chris Kreider and either a first-rounder or another top prospect. The Rangers are likely willing to give up virtually all those pieces, except for McDonagh and Del Zotto, who appear to be untouchable at the moment.
- We know Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brian Burke met with Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager Scott Howson yesterday presumably about Rick Nash, ESPNNewYork.com’s Katie Strang speculates.
- There are usually better deals to be had at the NHL draft because of cap flexibility. And Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager Scott Howson knows this as he fields offers for Rick Nash. He tells the Columbus Dispatch, “The most opportune time to make trades is probably at the draft, because you get more teams involved.” So while he’s open to a deal, it’s possible he’s more than willing to wait for the draft.
February 19th:
- ESPNNewYork.com’s Katie Strang hears that the Toronto Maple Leafs are on Rick Nash’s list of teams he is willing to be traded to and Leafs General Manager Brian Burke had an unscheduled meeting with Jackets General Manager Scott Howson, possibly about this very topic. Strang adds that, along with the Leafs, it’s believed Nash would OK a trade to the Rangers, Sharks, Canucks and Bruins. ESPN.com’s Pierre LeBrun also hears that the Leafs have had talks about Nash, and adds that the Rangers, Kings and Flyers have also had talks.
- What is not clear is if Nash will OK a deal to Philly or Los Angeles, but the Blue Jackets have approached the Flyers about a Nash deal, so we have to believe he would OK that trade. As far as LA, we’ll have to wait and see.
February 18th:
- Rick Nash could be facing his future team this weekend. Nash, and the rest of the Columbus Blue Jackets, visit the New York Rangers Sunday. However, as discussed by ESPNNY.com’s Katie Strang, the price tag for Nash may be a bit above and beyond what the Rangers are willing to offer.
- The odds of the San Jose Sharks trading for Rick Nash ahead of the February 27th NHL trade deadline may be a touch slim. The Sharks might not be in position to relinquish the assets the Columbus Blue Jackets would demand in return. According to Kevin Kurz of CSNBayArea.com, the Sharks probably don’t want to give up Joe Pavelski or Logan Couture, and there aren’t the draft picks or prospects available otherwise to sufficiently sweeten the package. Other than goaltender Thomas Greiss, there’s little else Sharks General Manager Doug Wilson would be willing to offload that might seriously pique General Manager Scott Howson’s interest.
- The Los Angeles Kings remain the current favorite to land Nash via trade in the next nine days.
- Feel free to throw the Philadelphia Flyers into the potential trade mix for the current captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Reported by Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly.com, sources say the Flyers are “listening” to the Blue Jackets in regards to winger Nash, Scott Howson has met again with Flyers General Manager Paul Holmgren. Panaccio suggests Howson may have his eye on some combo of forwards Sean Couturier,Brayden Schenn, James van Riemsdyk, goalie Sergei Bobrovsky and a high draft pick.