NHL Trade Rumors: Blue Jackets Must Not Consider Moving Rick Nash

Whatever the immediate future of the Columbus Blue Jackets is going to be, Rick Nash must be a part of it. He is 27 years old, has been in the league eight full seasons, and has buried at least 30 goals in all but two of those seasons. 

So, Larry Brooks of the New York Post writing that the Rangers and Blue Jackets are having conversations about sending Nash to New York is confusing, to say the least. 

"

The Rangers have had preliminary discussions with the Blue Jackets regarding the availability of Rick Nash.

"

He did go on to say that the Rangers acquiring Nash would be a "longshot," but the fact that any discussions have begun are baffling. 

The Rangers don't have the guns that would equal Nash, not when you consider that he is under contract through the 2017-2018 season. If we were talking about an expiring contract or one that only had a year left on it, I would be more open to this discussion.

Brooks did detail what the potential offer would be:

"

The Post had been told the opening asking price for the 6-4, 220-pounder who has spent his entire career with the Blue Jackets following his first overall selection in the 2002 Entry Draft is in excess of the package speculated to be Brandon Dubinsky, Boston College can’t-miss prospect Chris Kreider, and a first-round draft choice.

"

Not good enough, not even close. I don't care how "can't miss" a prospect is, you can not depend on him to be as good as a 27-year-old that buries more than 30 goals per season. There is no reason Columbus to even consider this move.  

More than his overall numbers, Nash is the face of the franchise. He is hands down the best player that the Blue Jackets have ever had and in the middle of his prime. As Brooks said, Nash has never shown any sign that he wants to leave Columbus, which is important for a small market team. 

There just isn't any logic in this move. In Nash, you have one of the game's best players, the face of the franchise, and someone who likes being there. The chances of landing all of that in a trade are basically non-existent. 

Columbus needs to cut this one off right now. This trade doesn't help the Blue Jackets enough to even consider. If the Blue Jackets do anything more than hang up the phone when the Rangers (or any team) calls for Nash, they are moving in a confusing direction.

Follow @mdixon1985