Blue Jackets' Nash emerges as No. 1 pawn in NHL trade rumor game
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Rick Nash wears the "C" on his jersey as captain of Columbus. These days, the letter stands more for, coveted.
The NHL trade deadline is Monday, and no player has been dangled as bait like Nash, the Blue Jackets 27-year-old star forward and the greatest player in franchise history. He has done it all in Columbus -- except turn the team into a winner. With the Blue Jackets floundering as the worst team in the league, the Nash era could be over in Ohio by this time next week, and the list of potential suitors seems to run as long as the list of playoff contenders.
Columbus' visit to the Eastern Conference last week saw trade rumors fly at light speed. Columbus general manager Scott Howson had a chat with Philadelphia Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren. And Nash faced a media crush in New York, with everyone curious to learn if he would be willing to trade the leisurely life in Columbus for the bright lights and Stanley Cup expectations there.
Could Nash be the kind of player who turns a contender into a champion?
"Right now, I'm a Blue Jacket," Nash said in New York. "And that's what matters."
Columbus could restock its roster with prospects and future draft choices for Nash, the No. 1 overall pick in 2002. He is signed through the 2014-15 season at an annual salary-cap hit of $7.8 million. Howson refused to comment when asked if anyone on his team is untouchable, but with 18 wins and 43 points entering Wednesday night, it seems every veteran could be available.
Nash enjoys Columbus and would like to stay, but he also recognizes that star players get shopped or traded. Potential landing spots include the improved Los Angeles Kings (need offense; could offer goalie Jonathan Bernier), Toronto (covets a native son who could be the face of the organization), the Flyers and Rangers.
Unlike previous seasons, when the Blue Jackets always were near the bottom of the salary cap, they are near the top this season in spending. Despite that, they have the worst record in the NHL.
Nash is far from the only big name Blue Jacket on the block. Jeff Carter, acquired in a ballyhooed deal from Philadelphia last summer, has been a bust in Columbus. He was unhappy the Flyers traded him and has missed chunks of this season with a separated shoulder and a broken foot. Nashville defenseman Ryan Suter, Maple Leafs defenseman Luke Schenn, and Anaheim forwards Ryan Getzlaf and Bobby Ryan also could have new homes.
First Published February 23, 2012 12:00 am
