NHL Trade Rumors: Why Rangers Must Land Rick Nash

Columbus Blue Jackets star winger Rick Nash is reportedly on the trading block, and the New York Rangers must acquire him to establish themselves as the clear favorites to win the Stanley Cup now and in the future.

Former Blue Jackets head coach and general manager Doug MacLean, said in a radio interview that he doesn't think Nash will be in Columbus next season.

Since Nash may be available, two questions immediately surface, will he waive his no trade clause and will he want to play in a huge market such as New York City?

Regarding his no-trade clause, Nash has already said this season that he won't stop the team from trading him if that's the direction they want to go in. Also, since Nash has a no-trade clause, shopping him without his consent would be a real issue for the Blue Jackets. Since this story is out in the media, is Nash opposed to leaving Columbus? I would guess not.

Consider TSN's Bob McKenzie's take on this:

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For any GM to even entertain offers on a star player with a no-move clause without that player's tacit approval is a cardinal sin. There are few secrets in this game and if a GM "shopped" or "listened" to offers on a NMC star it's only a matter of time until the word filters back to the player and that would represent a huge violation of trust between the player and the organization.

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As far as playing in a major market, here's what John Shannon of Sportsnet reported on February 6.

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Always one who didn't aspire to play in a big market with big pressure, it appears Nash now realizes that he might have to step into the spotlight in order to win. It is a very tough situation for a very classy player.

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So while many teams would obviously be interested in acquiring Nash, reports have indicated that the Blue Jackets have scouted several Rangers games this season, including this week. The Ottawa Sun has already reported the names of some players who could be involved in a deal between the two teams involving Nash.

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Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports that sources tell him the Rangers would pony up forward Brandon Dubinsky, top prospect forward Chris Kreider, and a first-round pick as part of a package to get Nash.

The New York Daily News’ Pat Leonard hears from Nash’s agent who won’t comment on any rumors but says that the Blue Jackets have been sending scouts en masse to Rangers games recently including Howson dropping by the Rangers-Flyers game on Saturday in Philly. This could all be a coincidence or there are puzzle pieces being put together.

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You don't send scouts "en masse" to watch a team unless there is some interest in making a deal. The Rangers would be a perfect fit for Nash, and he would upgrade one of the team's biggest needs, which is more quality depth at left wing.

The Rangers would be giving up a lot to acquire Nash but it's not an amount of talent and picks that would significantly set them back, especially when you consider that Nash is still a young player and is signed for six more seasons. He's not a rental by any means.

Dubinsky is a good player, but he's been disappointing this season, and while Kreider could be a solid NHL power forward, Nash is probably the best power forward in the game right now.

Nash has been an exceptional player in Columbus throughout his career without playing alongside much talent. With a top line center like Brad Richards on his line in New York, Nash's production would skyrocket and he'd become a household superstar, while earning the national recognition he deserves. 

Nash has 18 goals and 21 assists this season on a Blue Jackets team that has the worst record in the NHL and has been hit with injuries. He has scored 30 or more goals six times in his eight NHL seasons, including two 40-goal seasons all while playing with little talent around him.

With Nash, the Rangers become the favorite to win the Stanley Cup this season, and maybe even for the next few years. The Blueshirts already have the league's best goaltender in Henrik Lundqvist, a good group of young defensemen, and some quality offensive players like Richards, Marian Gaborik and captain Ryan Callahan.

While Rangers fans might look at the players the Rangers are willing to part with, according to the Sun, and say, wow we are giving up a lot, it's worth it because Nash is an elite player who would thrive with a playmaker like Richards at center.

New York would be acquiring one of the best players in the league by trading for Rick Nash, who not only scores goals, he's a tremendous power forward whose physical play and toughness would fit in perfectly on Broadway.

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Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and was the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals in Boston.