Ever since the Blue Jackets announced they would be willing to trade star forward Rick Nash, contending teams from around the NHL have been scrambling to see what kind of packages they could put together to get the talented forward.
Nash though isn’t just any star forward who is entering into the final year of his contract, he is set to make at least $7.5 million through the 2014-15 season.
Columbus has been rumored to be looking for a draft picks, a top prospect and a young roster player in return for Nash. Other recent reports have also suggested that Columbus may also be looking for a goaltender in return as well.
The top four teams looking to acquire Nash though look to be the Philadelphia Flyers, San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers so lets take a look at what’s going on with these teams’ attempts.
Philadelphia Flyers
As reported by Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly.com, sources say the Flyers are “listening” to the Blue Jackets in regards to winger Rick Nash. And Jackets GM Scott Howson has met again with Flyers GM Paul Holmgren.
Howson is believed to have his eye on some combo of forwards Sean Couturier, Brayden Schenn, James van Riemsdyk, goalie Sergei Bobrovsky and a high draft pick.
San Jose Sharks
Of the top destinations for Nash, the Sharks may be the least likely to acquire the Blue Jacket forward.
Rumors suggest that 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. Furthermore, other than goaltender Thomas Greiss, there’s really nothing within the Sharks’ organization that would get Howson’s interest.
Los Angeles Kings
There are conflicting reports regarding the Kings and Rick Nash. Some reports suggest that the Kings are the leading candidates to acquire Nash while some reports say that the Kings aren’t on Nash’s list of approved teams.
New York Rangers
In addition to the Kings the Rangers are also listed as one of the favorites to land Rick Nash.
The Rangers however may balk at the high demands that Howson is asking for in return for Nash. Currently it’s believed the Blue Jackets would seek Brandon Dubinsky, top prospect Chris Kreider and a 2012 first-round pick. But it’s also possible that Howson demands even more such as prospects Tim Erixon, Dylan McIlrath, and J.T. Miller.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are also considered to be a destination for Nash as the NHL trade deadline gets closer.
Ref: ESPN.com, CSNBayArea.com, CSNPhilly.com, NHLNumbers.com
